On March 1, 1994, a Bell 47G-5 (registration N7043J) was involved in an aviation accident near Plymouth, MA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance of the fuel truck from the aircraft, which resulted in the main rotor striking the fuel hose and truck during refueling operation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During refueling of a Bell 47 after a training flight, turning rotor blades struck a fuel hose and truck, causing the hose to hit the CFI. Investigation found the truck was parked about 3.5 feet from the blades, violating company policy requiring a 10-foot clearance.
Incident Details
A student pilot receiving instruction in a Bell 47 helicopter from a certified flight instructor (CFI) completed a 1.5-hour dual instruction flight. After landing at the departure airport to refuel, the helicopter was left idling with the RSP at the controls while the CFI exited to retrieve the fuel truck. The CFI returned with the truck, refueled the helicopter, and was returning the fuel hose to the truck when the turning rotor blades struck the hose and the fuel truck. The hose in turn struck the CFI.
Investigation Findings
The investigation revealed that the fuel truck had been parked approximately 3.5 feet from the turning rotor blades. Company policy mandated a minimum clearance of 10 feet between the truck and the rotor blades. Additionally, a re-enactment of the hose stowage procedure to the side of the fuel truck showed a tendency for the hose to deflect upward into the rotor tip path plane.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 1 Mar 1994 Bell 47G-5 accident near Plymouth, MA?
During refueling of a Bell 47 after a training flight, turning rotor blades struck a fuel hose and truck, causing the hose to hit the CFI. Investigation found the truck was parked about 3.5 feet from the blades, violating company policy requiring a 10-foot clearance.
Were there any fatalities in the 1 Mar 1994 Bell 47G-5 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Mar 1994 involved a Bell 47G-5, registration N7043J, at Plymouth, MA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance of the fuel truck from the aircraft, which resulted in the main rotor striking the fuel hose and truck during refueling operation. A factor was the pilot's failure to follow company policy pertaining to the refueling of aircraft.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…