On May 19, 2005, a Bell 47G-5A (registration N59403) operated by Joel Marwitz was involved in an aviation accident near Brush, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the truck trailer during takeoff. A factor contributing to this accident was the truck trailer. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff, a helicopter's right rear skid caught on a truck trailer fender, causing it to nose over, bounce, spin, and collide with the trailer and ground, resulting in substantial damage.
Accident Description
A helicopter experienced an accident during takeoff when its right rear skid caught on the fender of a nearby truck trailer. The helicopter nosed over, bounced hard, and spun around, colliding with both the truck trailer and the ground. The helicopter came to rest on its left side.
Damage Assessment
The accident resulted in significant damage to the helicopter. The main rotor was bent, the tail boom was bent downward, the short shaft was broken, the main frame was bent, and the Plexiglas canopy was broken.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that it was a "nice day" with winds that were "dead calm." He stated that there was "nothing wrong with the machine." An examination of the helicopter revealed no anomalies that could have contributed to the accident.