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NTSB Report

May 25, 2011 · Bell 47G-3B-1 · N96SH

Lakeville, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 25, 2011
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Lakeville, MN
Aircraft
Bell 47G-3B-1
Tail Number
N96SH
Operator
Scotts Helicopter Services
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN11LA370

The pilot stated that the helicopter experienced a total loss of engine power while maneuvering during an aerial application operation. He performed a forced landing to a swamp, which resulted in substantial damage to the airframe. Examination of the engine revealed that the compressor discharge pressure bleed line between the governor and the fuel control was leaking at a loose B-nut.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power due to a loose B-nut on the compressor discharge pressure bleed line.

Full Narrative

On May 25, 2011, about 1140 central daylight time, a Bell 47G-3B-1, N96SH, experienced a total loss of engine power while maneuvering near Lakeville, Minnesota. The pilot subsequently made a forced landing on a swamp near Lakeville, Minnesota. The certificated commercial pilot sustained serious injuries. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and tailboom when it impacted terrain during the forced landing. The helicopter was registered to and operated by Scotts Helicopter Services Inc under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the flight that originated from Flying Cloud Airport (FCM), Minneapolis, Minnesota. Examination of the engine (Rolls Royce Allison T63A700, serial number AE-400951) by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector from the Minneapolis Flight Standards District Office revealed that the Pc bleed line (from the governor to the fuel control) was leaking at the B-nut, which had come loose. The inspector stated that the operator had a spare engine at it facilities and that engine had torque lines painted onto the engine's fittings. The accident engine did not have torque lines painted onto its fittings. The inspector stated that there is no requirement to use torque lines and that the new engine maintenance manuals now discuss the use of torque lines. The time since the engine's last inspection was 59.4 hours.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:40 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 47G-3B-1
Tail NumberN96SH
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorScotts Helicopter Services
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · T63A700 · Turboshaft · 317
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 34 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time16:00
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data