On December 15, 1996, a Bell 47G (registration N1200Z) operated by Donald S. Lloyd was involved in an aviation accident near Lantana, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: an undetermined throttle problem, which resulted in a stuck (binding) throttle; and inadequate remedial action by the pilot, which led to a hard landing and subsequent nose over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported that during landing descent, the throttle stuck open causing engine overspeed. The helicopter entered autorotation but did not flare, resulting in a nose-high collision, bounce, nosed over, and inverted rest. Postcrash fire destroyed the helicopter; no pre-accident deficiency found.
Accident Sequence
The pilot was descending on right base for landing when the throttle became stuck in the full open position, causing the engine to overspeed. In response, the pilot entered autorotation—a maneuver to maintain rotor speed without engine power—and turned the helicopter into the wind. Reportedly, the pilot did not initiate a deceleration flare. The helicopter subsequently collided with the ground in a nose-high attitude. After impact, the helicopter bounced, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. A postcrash fire then destroyed the helicopter.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed no pre-accident mechanical deficiency. The pilot's statement indicated the throttle stuck open and engine overspeed, but investigators found no evidence of a pre-existing fault. No factors beyond the reported throttle malfunction and the absence of a flare were identified.