On July 4, 1984, a Bell 47G-5 (registration N1477W) operated by GG AG Service, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Penn Run, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the number six connecting rod, which punctured the crankcase. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot was spraying a potato field with a lightly loaded helicopter when the engine failed. The aircraft was about 10 feet above ground level in a slight right turn at 35 mph. The pilot flared to stop forward movement and landed, but the tail rotor section contacted the ground and separated.
Accident Details
During an agricultural spraying operation over a potato field, the pilot was operating a lightly loaded helicopter. While in a slight right turn at approximately 35 miles per hour and about 10 feet above ground level, the engine failed. The pilot executed a flare maneuver to arrest forward movement and subsequently landed the aircraft. However, during the landing, the tail rotor section struck the ground and separated from the tail boom.
Engine Examination
After the accident, an examination of the engine was conducted. The inspection revealed that the number six connecting rod had failed, puncturing the crankcase. This mechanical failure caused the loss of engine power, leading to the forced landing and subsequent tail rotor contact with the terrain.
Probable cause
Failure of the number six connecting rod, which punctured the crankcase.
What happened in the 4 Jul 1984 Bell 47G-5 accident near Penn Run, PA?
The pilot was spraying a potato field with a lightly loaded helicopter when the engine failed. The aircraft was about 10 feet above ground level in a slight right turn at 35 mph. The pilot flared to stop forward movement and landed, but the tail rotor section contacted the ground and separated.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Jul 1984 involved a Bell 47G-5, registration N1477W, operated by GG AG Service, Inc., at Penn Run, PA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Failure of the number six connecting rod, which punctured the crankcase.
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