N92HA

On September 25, 1995, about 1930 central daylight time, a Bell 47G-3B1, N92HA, registered to an individual, crashed shortly after takeoff from a trailer at Union Church, Mississippi, while on a 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter received substantial damage and the commercial-rated pilot received minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated that after takeoff from the landing trailer he lost cyclic control. He was able to maneuver the helicopter by use of engine power, main rotor rpm, and tail rotor control to a clear area about 1/2 mile from the takeoff point. When engine power was reduced for landing the helicopter pitched nose up and rolled to the left. The main rotor blades contacted the ground and the helicopter sustained damage.

Postcrash examination of the helicopter was performed by FAA inspectors and personnel from Bell Helicopter. The lower rod end bearing on one of the stabilizer to damper link assemblies was found separated causing a disconnection between the stabilizer bar and damper. Further examination of the separated rod end bearing was performed at Bell Helicopter by FAA and Bell personnel. The rod end bearing had excessive wear and a bronze insert used to secure the monoball in the bearing housing was missing. This allowed the link and rod end housing to separate from the monoball. The rod end bearing housing is fitted with a grease fitting. There was not a significant amount of grease in the rod end bearings. See the Bell Helicopter report.