Casualties unknown

1995-10-05: Bell 47-G2 (N4423) — Freer, TX

Freer, TX, US

On October 5, 1995, a Bell 47-G2 (registration N4423) was involved in an aviation accident near Freer, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines due to his improper takeoff technique. A factor was the helicopter induced blowing dust which impaired the pilot's visibility. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that during takeoff from a road, rotor wash created dusty conditions obscuring power lines. The skid hooked the lines, causing the aircraft to rotate and lose tail rotor control.

Event Details

A pilot reported that the aircraft departed from a road with winds from the north at 1 to 3 knots. During the initial climb, the pilot encountered what was described as 'extremely dusty conditions' generated by the rotor wash. These conditions prevented the pilot from seeing overhead power lines.

Sequence of Events

As the aircraft climbed, one of the skids hooked the power lines, causing the aircraft to rotate to the right. The pilot responded by increasing collective pitch. However, the tail rotor blades subsequently contacted the power lines, resulting in an immediate loss of tail rotor control.

Pilot Report

The pilot provided the account, noting that the dusty conditions were a direct result of the rotor wash during the takeoff from the road. No further details about the aircraft, injuries, or damage were disclosed in the report.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04691. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.