On June 28, 2003, a Bell 47G-5A (registration N8413D) was involved in an aviation accident near Sandusky, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The ignition switch had an internal fault causing it to ground out the ignition system. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter sustained substantial damage after a hard landing during an autorotation. The engine failed at 400 feet, and the pilot flared early to avoid a drainage ditch. Investigation found a faulty ignition switch.
Accident Summary
A helicopter experienced an in-flight loss of engine power while cruising at approximately 400 feet above ground level. The pilot initiated an autorotation but flared early to avoid a drainage ditch, resulting in a hard landing in a field. The helicopter sustained substantial damage.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident inspection revealed continuity of the engine and flight controls. The spark plugs and exhaust tubes were clean, and the fuel tanks contained fuel. The magnetos functioned when tested independently of the ignition system. However, the inspection identified an internal fault in the ignition switch that caused it to ground out the ignition system.
Probable cause
The ignition switch had an internal fault causing it to ground out the ignition system.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 28 Jun 2003 Bell 47G-5A accident near Sandusky, MI?
A helicopter sustained substantial damage after a hard landing during an autorotation. The engine failed at 400 feet, and the pilot flared early to avoid a drainage ditch. Investigation found a faulty ignition switch.
Were there any fatalities in the 28 Jun 2003 Bell 47G-5A accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Jun 2003 involved a Bell 47G-5A, registration N8413D, at Sandusky, MI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The ignition switch had an internal fault causing it to ground out the ignition system.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…
