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Casualties unknown

Helicopter Rolls Over During Taxi to Refueling Pad (N2202C)

Ardmore, OK, US

On December 4, 1989, a Bell 47D1 (registration N2202C) was involved in an aviation accident near Ardmore, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR EXISTING WIND CONDITIONS. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE GUSTY TAIL WINDS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During an instructional flight, a helicopter lost control and its main rotor blade struck the ground while repositioning on a refueling pad in gusty tailwind conditions.

Incident Overview

A helicopter being operated by a certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot experienced a loss of control during taxi operations on a refueling pad. The event occurred after the helicopter had landed on a taxiway following an instructional flight.

Sequence of Events

After the helicopter landed on a taxiway, the student pilot secured the engine. Due to limited ground clearance in the area, students were not permitted to position the helicopter onto a nearby refueling pad. Consequently, the CFI took control of the helicopter, with the student now aboard as a passenger, and air taxied downwind to the refueling pad.

Once on the pad, gusty tailwinds prompted the CFI to realign the helicopter. As power was added with the aircraft heading east, control was lost. The main rotor blade struck the ground approximately 100 feet west of the pad.

Meteorological Conditions

The wind was reported from 270 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 22 knots.

Damage

The main rotor blade struck the ground, resulting in damage to the helicopter.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Dec 1989 Bell 47D1 accident near Ardmore, OK?

During an instructional flight, a helicopter lost control and its main rotor blade struck the ground while repositioning on a refueling pad in gusty tailwind conditions.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Dec 1989 involved a Bell 47D1, registration N2202C, at Ardmore, OK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR EXISTING WIND CONDITIONS. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE GUSTY TAIL WINDS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29959. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.