Accident Details
A Bell 47D1 helicopter, operated by a commercial-rated pilot working on a rotorcraft rating, was on a solo cross-country flight when it crashed in a wooded area. Debris was spread along the flight path for over a quarter mile.
Post-Crash Examination
Examination of the wreckage showed that one stabilizer bar was missing from the rotor head. The stabilizer bar had failed opposite the direction of rotation and was not recovered. Evidence of blade flapping and low rotor RPM conditions was present.
Flight Control and Engine Systems
No evidence of a failure in the flight control system was found, other than the missing stabilizer bar. Similarly, no evidence of an engine failure was noted, although conditions were present for the formation of carburetor ice.