Casualties unknown

2002-08-20: Bell 47-D1 (N4702S) — Union, SC

Union, SC, US

On August 20, 2002, a Bell 47-D1 (registration N4702S) was involved in an aviation accident near Union, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance. 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 helicopter conducting agricultural spraying struck a trailer with its tail rotor while landing to refuel, causing it to flip and come to rest inverted. The pilot reported normal operations and no mechanical issues.

Accident Overview

A helicopter engaged in agricultural spraying operations was landing to refuel and reload chemicals at a portable platform when the accident occurred. As the aircraft approached the landing pad, its tail rotor struck a trailer positioned close to the pad. The impact caused the helicopter to pitch forward and overturn, coming to rest upside down on the opposite side of the trailer.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that the helicopter had experienced no mechanical difficulties prior to the accident. He stated that everything was operating "normally" during the flight and approach.

Environmental Conditions

At the time of the accident, a crosswind of approximately 5 to 7 knots was present. The specific direction of the crosswind relative to the landing pad was not documented.

Investigation Details

An FAA inspector provided the pilot with an NTSB Pilot/Operator Accident Report Form 6120.1/2 for completion. However, as of the investigation's documentation, the completed form had not been received by the authorities. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, or injuries were disclosed in the source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020826X01456. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.