N16414

Substantial
None

BELL 47GS/N: 1013

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, May 18, 2014
NTSB Number
WPR14CA196
Location
Bakersfield, CA
Event ID
20140518X13730
Coordinates
35.434165, -119.057777
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control after the helicopter's skid catching on the side of a trailer during takeoff, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N16414
Make
BELL
Serial Number
1013
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1967
Model / ICAO
47GB47G
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
CLARIDGE JOSEPH M
Address
6183 OLD BALCOM CANYON RD
Status
Deregistered
City
SOMIS
State / Zip Code
CA 93066-2113
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to move the helicopter off of a trailer onto the ground. As the helicopter began to lift off from the trailer platform, a steel bolt on the landing gear skid caught on the aluminum trailer skirting. The helicopter experienced a dynamic rollover and came to rest on its right side. Shortly thereafter, a fire erupted and the cabin area was consumed.

The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR14CA196