On January 17, 1995, a Bell 47G-3B (registration N8462E) operated by Tillman, Clifford R. was involved in an aviation accident near Natchez, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to remove a portable transport dolly before takeoff, which resulted in an uncontrolled roll and subsequent impact with the ground. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter rolled onto its left side and struck the ground during liftoff because the pilot failed to detach a secured portable transport dolly before departure.
What happened
The pilot reported that he did not detach a portable transport dolly from the aircraft prior to initiating takeoff. As the helicopter began its rotation for liftoff, the pilot realized the equipment remained firmly attached to the airframe. In an effort to mitigate the situation, he attempted to abort the maneuver and land immediately.
The unbalanced weight caused the helicopter to roll violently toward the left side. During this rollover, the main rotor blades made contact with the ground surface. The impact severed the tail boom of the aircraft. A fire broke out in the wreckage following the crash.
The investigation
Examination of the incident revealed that the primary mechanical failure was due to the retention of external equipment during flight operations. The dolly, intended for ground transport, remained secured to the helicopter during the critical takeoff phase.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to remove a portable transport dolly before takeoff, which resulted in an uncontrolled roll and subsequent impact with the ground.