Summary
On May 10, 2006, a Bell 47G-2 (N993B) was involved in an accident near Rosenberg, TX. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilots encounter with loss of tail rotor effectiveness during an aerial application flight. A contributing factor was the gusty winds.
The 5,740-hour commercial pilot lost control of the single-engine helicopter while maneuvering during an aerial application flight. The pilot stated, that he made a right turn into the wind and that a gust of wind "must have hit the tail causing him to lose tail-rotor authority." The pilot further stated that he corrected with full left pedal; however, the helicopter touched down and the left skid dug into the soft ground causing the aircraft to roll onto the left side. At the time of the accident, the wind was reported from 240 degrees at 4 knots, gusting to 12 knots. The pilot reported having accumulated 70 hours in the same make and model. He added that there were no anomalies with the helicopter prior to the accident.
This accident is documented in NTSB report DFW06CA123. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N993B.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilots encounter with loss of tail rotor effectiveness during an aerial application flight. A contributing factor was the gusty winds.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The 5,740-hour commercial pilot lost control of the single-engine helicopter while maneuvering during an aerial application flight. The pilot stated, that he made a right turn into the wind and that a gust of wind "must have hit the tail causing him to lose tail-rotor authority." The pilot further stated that he corrected with full left pedal; however, the helicopter touched down and the left skid dug into the soft ground causing the aircraft to roll onto the left side. At the time of the accident, the wind was reported from 240 degrees at 4 knots, gusting to 12 knots. The pilot reported having accumulated 70 hours in the same make and model. He added that there were no anomalies with the helicopter prior to the accident.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DFW06CA123