Summary
On October 03, 1995, a Bell 47G-4A (N6SR) was involved in an accident near Edinburg, TX. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury, with 2 people uninjured out of 3 aboard. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's improper takeoff planning which resulted in the loss of conrol. A factor was the gusty crosswind condition.
On October 3, 1995, at 1310 central daylight time, a Bell 47G-4A, N6SR, registered and operated by Smith Helicopters under Title 14 CFR Part 91 was substantially damaged following a loss of control near Edinburg, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight and a flight plan was not filed. The airline transport rated pilot and one passenger were not injured, while another passenger received minor injuries. The flight was originating, at the time of the accident, from the Santa Anita Ranch.
According to the pilot, he lifted off from a flat bed trailer and was hovering at a height of 6 feet.
This accident is documented in NTSB report FTW96LA005. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N6SR.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's improper takeoff planning which resulted in the loss of conrol. A factor was the gusty crosswind condition.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On October 3, 1995, at 1310 central daylight time, a Bell 47G-4A, N6SR, registered and operated by Smith Helicopters under Title 14 CFR Part 91 was substantially damaged following a loss of control near Edinburg, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight and a flight plan was not filed. The airline transport rated pilot and one passenger were not injured, while another passenger received minor injuries. The flight was originating, at the time of the accident, from the Santa Anita Ranch.
According to the pilot, he lifted off from a flat bed trailer and was hovering at a height of 6 feet. As the helicopter transitioned forward (approximately 20 knots indicated airspeed) and at a height estimated at 15 to 20 feet AGL, the helicopter encountered a 30 knot wind gust approximately 60 to 80 degrees off the left side. The aircraft rolled right, nose pitched down, and the right skid contacted the water. The aircraft came to rest in a pond in approximately 3 1/2 feet of water.
Examination of the aircraft revealed that the tailboom had separated from the helicopter, the main rotor mast separated, the main rotor blades and the tail rotor were destroyed, the cockpit windshield was shattered, and the right fuel tank was missing (presumed sunk).
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW96LA005