Casualties unknown

1991-08-16: Bell 47D1 (N1MH) — Moon, Alfred N. — Winton, NC

Winton, NC, US

On August 16, 1991, a Bell 47D1 (registration N1MH) operated by Moon, Alfred N. was involved in an aviation accident near Winton, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR LANDING THE HELICOPTER. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot landed his helicopter on a field road; the right skid settled in a ditch, causing a main rotor blade to contact the ground and sever the tail rotor drive shaft, leading to a spin. The helicopter rolled onto its side; pilot uninjured.

Landing Incident

An agricultural pilot was landing his helicopter on a field road after a local flight. During touchdown, the right skid settled into a ditch, causing the helicopter to tip. A main rotor blade then contacted the ground and subsequently struck the tail boom, severing the tail rotor drive shaft. The loss of tail rotor control caused the aircraft to begin spinning.

The pilot managed to set the helicopter down while it was still spinning. Upon landing, the skids collapsed, and the helicopter rolled onto its left side. The pilot egressed from the aircraft uninjured. After the accident, the pilot transported the wreckage to his home in Arkansas before reporting the incident.

No further details about the helicopter's make, model, registration, or specific location were provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17776. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.