On August 1, 1985, a Bell 47G-2 (registration N88AR) was involved in an aviation accident near Ochopee, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Separation of the transmission assembly from the helicopter just before takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter suffered a catastrophic transmission assembly failure just before takeoff from a water station in the Everglades, resulting in an inverted crash landing.
What happened
The pilot reported that he had previously dropped off passengers at a water station located within the Everglades. After water-taxiing away from the station, he accelerated the engine to 3100 RPM. Just prior to adding collective pitch for takeoff, the transmission assembly separated from the helicopter. The aircraft rolled to the right and came to rest in an inverted position.
The investigation
The pilot described a separation of the main rotor assembly during the incident. However, investigators were unable to determine the specific nature of this separation based solely on the pilot's description.
Probable cause
Separation of the transmission assembly from the helicopter just before takeoff.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 1 Aug 1985 Bell 47G-2 accident near Ochopee, FL?
A helicopter suffered a catastrophic transmission assembly failure just before takeoff from a water station in the Everglades, resulting in an inverted crash landing.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Aug 1985 involved a Bell 47G-2, registration N88AR, at Ochopee, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Separation of the transmission assembly from the helicopter just before takeoff.
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