Casualties unknown

1992-06-27: Bell 47-2A-1 (N73952) — Badger Helicopters, Inc. — Dubuque, IA

Dubuque, IA, US

On June 27, 1992, a Bell 47-2A-1 (registration N73952) operated by Badger Helicopters, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Dubuque, IA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during lift-off from a flatbed trailer, which resulted in a collision with a parked pickup truck. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter pilot experienced heavy right rear skid feel during lift-off from a flatbed trailer, applied corrective inputs, and subsequently struck a parked pickup truck with the left side of the aircraft.

What happened

The accident occurred while a pilot was attempting to launch a helicopter from a flatbed trailer. During the initial phase of the lift-off, the pilot reported that the right rear skid felt unusually heavy. In response to this sensation, he applied left cyclic control input to level the aircraft.

Once the helicopter became airborne, the pilot applied left pedal. This input caused the helicopter to turn sharply to the left. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck a parked pickup truck located nearby on the ground.

The investigation

The source text does not provide details regarding mechanical inspections or post-accident examination of the helicopter components.

Findings

The sequence of events indicates that the pilot's corrective inputs during the critical lift-off phase from an elevated platform contributed to the loss of control. Specifically, the combination of left cyclic and subsequent left pedal application resulted in a leftward turn that led to contact with the stationary vehicle.

Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during lift-off from a flatbed trailer, which resulted in a collision with a parked pickup truck.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14830. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.