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June 18, 2011 · Bell 47G-4A · N24HM

Montgomery City, MO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 18, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Montgomery City, MO
Aircraft
Bell 47G-4A
Tail Number
N24HM
Operator
Rhineland Grain
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN11CA403

The pilot reported that he had returned from an agricultural application to reload the cleaning solution. Unbeknownst to the pilot, the helicopter was loaded with approximately 90 gallons of solution, instead of the expected 70 gallons for the flight. The pilot reported that he increased engine power and lifted off; however, immediately after lift off the engine and rotor speed began to decrease. He selected a suitable landing point and flared for touchdown about 10 feet above ground level to minimize the forward speed. The helicopter touched down on the rear portion of the landing skids and began to pitch forward. He applied aft cyclic control to prevent the helicopter from nosing over. He subsequently heard a bang and observed debris coming from the aircraft. He shut down the engine and secured the helicopter. A postaccident examination revealed that the main rotor had struck the tailboom resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. The pilot said the helicopter may have been on a slight incline when the solution was loaded, allowing the right side tank to fill more than the left side tank. He was unaware of the overload condition. The pilot added that closer monitoring of the helicopter and chemical truck incline, and the final amount of solution being loaded onto the helicopter, might have prevented the accident. The pilot did not report any failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of control during the precautionary landing, which resulted in inadvertent contact between the main rotor and the tailboom. Contributing to the accident was the overloaded condition.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he had returned from a prior agricultural application flight. The helicopter chemical tank was loaded with cleaning solution. The pilot stated that he increased engine power and lifted off again. However, immediately after takeoff, the engine and rotor speed began to decrease, and the pilot selected a nearby location for a landing. He flared for touchdown about 10 feet above ground level in order to minimize the forward speed. The helicopter touched down on the rear portion of the landing skids and began to pitch forward. The pilot responded by applying aft cyclic control to prevent the helicopter from nosing over. He subsequently heard a bang and observed debris coming from the aircraft. He shut down the engine and secured the helicopter. A postaccident examination revealed that the main rotor had struck the tailboom resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. The pilot did not report any failures or malfunctions related to the helicopter that occurred prior to the accident. However, the chemical tank was determined to have been loaded with approximately 90 gallons of cleaning solution, instead of the intended 70 gallons. He commented that the aircraft may have been on a slight incline when the solution was loaded, allowing the right side tank to fill more than the left side tank. As a result, he was unaware of the overload condition. The pilot added that closer monitoring of the helicopter and chemical truck incline, and the final amount of solution being loaded onto the helicopter, might have prevented the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:45 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 47G-4A
Tail NumberN24HM
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRhineland Grain
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-540 SERIES · Reciprocating · 310
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 27 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time23:45
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data