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Engine Power Loss Leads to Autorotation and Rollover in Agricultural Helicopter (N8478D)

Indianola, MS, US

On July 10, 2001, a Bell 47 (registration N8478D) was involved in an aviation accident near Indianola, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper use of flight controls during an autorotation that resulted inn the collapse of the skids and cross tube assembly. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported engine power loss at 500 feet while en route to a spraying field. After failed restart attempts, he autorotated to a field, but the helicopter rolled over on its right side during touchdown. Examination revealed metal particles and a connecting rod cap wedged in the engine.

Accident Sequence

The pilot was en route to the next field to be sprayed when, at an altitude of 500 feet, the engine lost power. Attempts to restore full power were unsuccessful, prompting the pilot to select a nearby field for an emergency landing. During the autorotative touchdown, the helicopter rolled over onto its right side.

Examination Findings

Subsequent examination of the engine revealed metal particles in the oil pump screen and oil filter element. Further inspection showed that the #1 cylinder connecting rod cap was wedged between the second crankshaft lobe and the engine case. The engine had accumulated 935.1 hours since its last major overhaul.

Examination of the helicopter structure disclosed that the landing skid and cross-tubes were fractured into several pieces. Fracture analysis indicated that all fractures were due to overload.

No other anomalies were reported.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Jul 2001 Bell 47 accident near Indianola, MS?

A pilot reported engine power loss at 500 feet while en route to a spraying field. After failed restart attempts, he autorotated to a field, but the helicopter rolled over on its right side during touchdown. Examination revealed metal particles and a connecting rod cap wedged in the engine.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Jul 2001 involved a Bell 47, registration N8478D, at Indianola, MS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper use of flight controls during an autorotation that resulted inn the collapse of the skids and cross tube assembly. A factor was the loss of engine power due to the failure of # 1 connecting rod and the overload failure of the skids and cross tub assembly.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010712X01391. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.