On July 30, 1990, a Bell 47G-5 (registration N8140J) was involved in an aviation accident near Hudson, IA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to land hard on an unprepared surface, which resulted in the main rotor contacting the tail boom and tail rotor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot attempted a hard landing on a farm field after an aerial application operation, resulting in the main rotor contacting the tail boom and causing substantial damage.
What happened
The commercial pilot had just completed an aerial application operation when he decided to land on a nearby farm field to inspect crop conditions. During the approach and touchdown, the helicopter landed hard, with the heels of the skids striking the ground first. This impact caused the main rotor system to flex downward significantly.
The investigation
The force of the hard landing resulted in the main rotor blades making contact with the tail boom and the tail rotor assembly. This interaction caused substantial damage to the aircraft's structure and rotating components.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to land hard on an unprepared surface, which resulted in the main rotor contacting the tail boom and tail rotor.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 30 Jul 1990 Bell 47G-5 accident near Hudson, IA?
A commercial pilot attempted a hard landing on a farm field after an aerial application operation, resulting in the main rotor contacting the tail boom and causing substantial damage.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Jul 1990 involved a Bell 47G-5, registration N8140J, at Hudson, IA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to land hard on an unprepared surface, which resulted in the main rotor contacting the tail boom and tail rotor.
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