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Helicopter Accident Involving Quartering Tailwind and Collision with Rock (N3628G)

Panama City, FL, US

On June 19, 1993, a Bell 47G (registration N3628G) operated by Harris, Jr., Dane H. was involved in an aviation accident near Panama City, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ROTOR RPM, WHICH RESULTED IN FAILURE OF THE HELICOPTER TO ATTAIN EFFECTIVE TRANSLATIONAL LIFT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE FENCE & TERRAIN CONDITIONS. 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 commercial pilot started takeoff with a quartering tailwind. After lift-off, the helicopter encountered a downdraft and rotor RPM deteriorated. The pilot lowered collective, then increased it to clear a fence. A run-on landing was attempted, but the right front skid hit a bush, the helicopter turned right and collided with a large rock covered with sand, rolling onto its side.

Takeoff and Initial Events

The commercial pilot initiated a takeoff with a quartering tailwind. Following lift-off, the helicopter experienced a downdraft, causing the rotor RPM to begin deteriorating. In response, the pilot lowered the collective to compensate for the loss of rotor RPM.

Obstacle Avoidance

During the sequence, the pilot observed a fence ahead. The collective was increased to clear the obstacle. After clearing the fence, a run-on landing was attempted.

Collision and Outcome

During the run-on landing, the right front skid struck a small bush. Subsequently, the helicopter turned to the right and collided with a large rock covered with sand. The impact caused the helicopter to roll over onto its side.

Weather Information

Review of weather information revealed no record of turbulence, downdrafts, gusts, or windshear.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Jun 1993 Bell 47G accident near Panama City, FL?

A commercial pilot started takeoff with a quartering tailwind. After lift-off, the helicopter encountered a downdraft and rotor RPM deteriorated. The pilot lowered collective, then increased it to clear a fence. A run-on landing was attempted, but the right front skid hit a bush, the helicopter turned right and…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Jun 1993 involved a Bell 47G, registration N3628G, operated by Harris, Jr., Dane H., at Panama City, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ROTOR RPM, WHICH RESULTED IN FAILURE OF THE HELICOPTER TO ATTAIN EFFECTIVE TRANSLATIONAL LIFT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE FENCE & TERRAIN CONDITIONS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12674. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.