Casualties unknown

1996-09-29: Bell 47G-3B-1 (N1397X) — Borinquen, PR

Borinquen, PR, US

On September 29, 1996, a Bell 47G-3B-1 (registration N1397X) was involved in an aviation accident near Borinquen, PR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot failed to maintain control of the aircraft while hover taxing. Factors in this accident were wind gusts and a tailwind. 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 student helicopter pilot experienced an accident during hover taxi on their first solo flight. The left skid struck grass, causing main rotor blades to hit the ground. Winds were from 070° at 20 knots gusting to 25.

Accident Details

A student helicopter pilot, on their first solo flight after receiving endorsement the previous day, was involved in an accident during a hover taxi maneuver. After landing on grass near runway 8, the pilot turned left to begin a hover taxi. The helicopter was hovering approximately 18 inches above the ground with a 20-knot tailwind.

During the hover taxi, the left front landing skid struck the ground, causing the main rotor blades to contact the ground as well. The reported wind conditions at the time were from 070 degrees at 20 knots with gusts to 25 knots.

The accident occurred while the pilot was performing a hover taxi in a tailwind condition. No further details about the aircraft type, registration, injuries, or damage were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06793. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.