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NTSB Report

September 26, 2010 · Bell 47G 3B1 · N7860S

Gaston, OR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 26, 2010
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Gaston, OR
Aircraft
Bell 47G 3B1
Tail Number
N7860S
Operator
Farm and Forest Helicopter Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR10CA470

The pilot reported that he completed his last forest spray application for the day and was landing on a trailer used for transporting the helicopter. As the skids touched down on the trailer, he lowered the collective to the full down position. The helicopter abruptly tilted aft on the skid heels, and he applied up collective. The helicopter started to rotate to the right and he was unable to counter the rotation with the left anti-torque pedal. The pilot closed the throttle as the helicopter rotated 180 degrees to the right. The helicopter then contacted the side of the trailer and came to a full stop. The pilot reported that the trailer was parked on an uneven surface and that the slope and his abrupt movement of the collective resulted in the tail rotor coming into contact with the trailer. The pilot also felt that the accident could have been avoided if the trailer were on level terrain and he had waited to lower the collective until after establishing positive and complete skid contact with the surface of the trailer. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter at the time of the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain tail rotor clearance while landing on a transport trailer positioned on an uneven surface.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he completed his last forest spray application for the day, and was landing on the trailer used for transporting the helicopter. He stated that he placed the landing skids on the trailer, and lowered the collective to the full down position. The helicopter abruptly tilted aft on the skid heals, and he applied up collective. The helicopter started to rotate to the right, and he was unable to counter the rotation with the left anti torque pedal. The pilot closed the throttle as the helicopter rotated 180 degrees to the right. The helicopter then contacted the side of the trailer, and came to a full stop. The engine was not running at this point, so he shut off the battery master switch, and disconnected the battery to avoid potential ignition of any fuel. The pilot reported that the trailer was parked on an uneven surface with the up side at the tail of the helicopter. He thought that the slope and his abrupt movement of the collective resulted in the tail rotor coming into contact with the trailer deck. The pilot also felt that the accident could have been avoided if the trailer were on level terrain, and he had waited to lower the collective until after establishing positive and complete full landing skid gear contact with the surface of the trailer. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter at the time of the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 47G 3B1
Tail NumberN7860S
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFarm and Forest Helicopter Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls-Royce Allison · 250 · Turboshaft · 420
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter29.97 inHg
Observation Time02:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data