# Accident 20111108026759A: Bell 47D1, San Diego, CA, November 8, 2011

- Type: FAA accident report (Accident/Incident Data System), as reported
- Date: November 8, 2011, 14:25 local time
- Place: San Diego, CA
- Airport: Brown Field
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Phase of flight: Landing: Approach
- Operating rules: General operating rules (Part 91)
- Location: 32.5722° N, 116.9800° W: From the FAA
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.5722&lon=-116.9800&mi=10
- Aircraft: N4251A, a cancelled registration (https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4251A-2013-08-09) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry model: Bell 47D1 (registry code 1180802, https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47d1) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: Franklin 6V4 series (registry code 27033, https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6v4-series) (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47D1
- Reported engine: FRANKLIN 6V4 SERIES; O-335-6B
- People aboard: 2
- Fatal injuries: 0
- Other injuries: 0
- Pilot certificates: Commercial pilot, flight instructor, private pilot
- Pilot flight hours: 5,850 total, 6 in this make and model, 28 in the last 90 days
- NTSB investigation: [NTSB WPR12LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA029) (OpenAirDocs)
- FAA source: FAA Aviation Safety Information Portal (https://asip.faa.gov/)
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/incident/20111108026759A

## Narrative

As the FAA filed it, in capitals; the FAA replaces private details with ^PRIVACY DATA OMITTED^.

THE OWNER OF THE AIRCRAFT WAS RECEIVING ROTORCRAFT FLIGHT INSTRUCTION WHEN THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED THE GROUND DURING AN AUTOROTATION LANDING.  THE STUDENT STATED THAT HE TRIED TO APPLY POWER AT ABOUT 200 FEET AGL, BUT DISCOVERED THAT THE ENGINE HAD QUIT.  THE STUDENT FLARED TOO EARLY AND LOST ROTOR SYSTEM ENERGY NECESSARY TO EXECUTE A LANDING WITHOUT DAMAGING THE MACHINE.  THE INSTRUCTOR WAS UNABLE TO AVERT THE ACCIDENT.  THERE WERE NO INJURIES, BUT THE HELICOPTER SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE.

## The NTSB's investigation of this event (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB WPR12LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA029), Nov 8, 2011: Bell 47D1 (N4251A), San Diego, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the student pilot during a simulated autorotation and the pilots’ failure to use carburetor heat while operating at reduced engine power while in…

## Other reports on N4251A (2)

Matched to the same aircraft by N-number and date.

- [Accident 19820529020149A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820529020149A), May 29, 1982: Bell 47D1 (N4251A), Lesueur, MN, Substantial damage. Engine quit during spraying operation, crash occurred during attempted landing. Water in fuel system.
- [Incident 19810410044699I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19810410044699I), Apr 10, 1981: Bell 47D1 (N4251A), Redwood Falls, MN. Forced off airport, landing due to jet fuel being put in the aircarft.

From the FAA Accident/Incident Data System. Reports are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. For accidents, the NTSB's own investigation is the fuller record.

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