On July 16, 1985, a Bell 47G-5 (registration N8197J) operated by Lloyd L. Davis, Jr. was involved in an aviation accident near Crane, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter operating from a flatbed trailer experienced an engine stoppage while at a three-foot hover, leading to a sudden rotation and an autorotation attempt that resulted in a collision with the trailer edge and subsequent destruction.
Accident Details
The helicopter was being operated from a flatbed trailer. The pilot reported that after lifting to a hover at approximately three feet, the engine stopped. The helicopter then suddenly rotated about 45 degrees before the pilot could arrest the rotation.
Sequence of Events
Following the engine stoppage, the pilot attempted an autorotation touchdown. However, the helicopter was still partially positioned over the trailer. During the descent, the rear portion of the right skid contacted the edge of the trailer, causing the helicopter to roll to the left. As the roll occurred, the main rotor blades contacted the ground. The continued rotation of the blades resulted in the destruction of the helicopter.
Investigation Outcome
The cause of the engine failure was not determined. No further analysis or conclusions were provided.