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Helicopter Rolls Over During Takeoff from Fishing Vessel Near American Samoa (N211CB)

Pago Pago, PO, US

On June 21, 1992, a Bell 47-G5A (registration N211CB) operated by Zeta Fishing Company was involved in an aviation accident near Pago Pago, PO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION IN FAILING TO ENSURE THAT ALL SKID TIEDOWNS WERE REMOVED PRIOR TO THE ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF. 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

A helicopter operating from the fishing vessel M/V KALI rolled onto its left side during takeoff in territorial waters near Pago Pago, American Samoa. Crewmen reported the left rear skid remained tied down. The ship sustained deck and bulwark damage.

Summary

A helicopter was involved in an accident while attempting to take off from a helipad aboard the fishing vessel M/V KALI. The vessel was situated in territorial waters near Pago Pago, American Samoa, at the time of the incident. During the takeoff attempt, the helicopter rolled over onto its left side. The aircraft did not leave the ship during the sequence; it remained on board throughout.

Witness Observations

Crew members of the M/V KALI who witnessed the accident reported that the left rear skid of the helicopter was still secured to the helipad platform when the takeoff was attempted. The helicopter then rolled over.

Damage

The fishing vessel sustained damage to its deck and bulwark plates as a result of the accident. No information regarding the condition of the helicopter or any persons on board was provided in the source.

Additional Context

The helicopter was being operated for fish-spotting missions from the helipad on the M/V KALI. The time of the accident was recorded in local ship time.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jun 1992 Bell 47-G5A accident near Pago Pago, PO?

A helicopter operating from the fishing vessel M/V KALI rolled onto its left side during takeoff in territorial waters near Pago Pago, American Samoa. Crewmen reported the left rear skid remained tied down. The ship sustained deck and bulwark damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jun 1992 involved a Bell 47-G5A, registration N211CB, operated by Zeta Fishing Company, at Pago Pago, PO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION IN FAILING TO ENSURE THAT ALL SKID TIEDOWNS WERE REMOVED PRIOR TO THE ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14915. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.