On September 7, 1983, a Bell 47G (registration N88754) was involved in an aviation accident near Charleston, WV. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Bell 47 helicopter settled after takeoff, touched down on sloping terrain, and rolled over. One of the two pilots was a student being transported for a private rating. No engine malfunctions were found.
Accident Overview
A helicopter experienced a settlement shortly after takeoff, leading to a touchdown on sloping terrain and a subsequent rollover. The aircraft involved was a Bell 47. Two pilots were on board. One of them was being transported to receive a private rating in helicopters; he had been endorsed for solo flight in the Bell 47 and had accumulated less than half an hour of flight time in that model. Additionally, he had flown only one-plus hours in the preceding 90 days, none of which were in helicopters.
Flight and Pilot Details
Neither pilot recalled what the engine instruments registered after the helicopter transitioned to forward flight. When the settling began, both pilots 'pulled collective'—a control input typically used to increase rotor thrust. The aircraft was beyond the runway's end over sloping terrain as it settled. No engine malfunctions were found during the post-accident examination.
Outcome
The helicopter landed on sloping terrain and rolled over. The source does not specify injuries or damage extent beyond the rollover.