# NTSB investigations: Lycoming VO-435 series: Loss of control - in flight

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CHI08CA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08CA019.md): Bell 47G-2A · Wautoma, WI · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 17, 2007 · N73223 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter resulting from a distraction in the cockpit. A contributing factor was the distraction due to the dog in the cockpit.
- [NTSB CHI07CA212](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07CA212.md): Bell 47G-5 · Jesup, IA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 10, 2007 · N8140J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inability to maintain control of the helicopter when it unexpectedly encountered a whirlwind shortly after takeoff.
- [NTSB DFW06CA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW06CA123.md): Bell 47G-2 · Rosenberg, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 10, 2006 · N993B · Substantial damage
  > The pilots encounter with loss of tail rotor effectiveness during an aerial application flight. A contributing factor was the gusty winds.
- [NTSB NYC06FA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC06FA100.md): Bell 47G-3B-1 · East Hanover Tw, PA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 20, 2006 · N22MP · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper decision to hover out-of-ground-effect in a tailwind, and his failure to maintain aircraft control. A factor in the accident was the tailwind.
- [NTSB NYC03CA170](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03CA170.md): Bell 47G-2A · Jackson, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 30, 2003 · N7796C · Substantial damage
  > Pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and failure to remove a pesticide spraying hose from the helicopter prior to takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control.
- [NTSB MIA02FA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA02FA045.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Jacksonville, FL · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 13, 2001 · N7701J · Destroyed
  > The pilot becoming spatially disoriented and losing control of the airplane during a missed approach resulting in the airplane descending uncontrolled and colliding with trees and the ground.
- [NTSB NYC01LA130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC01LA130.md): Continental Copters Tom Cat Mark 5A · Benton, PA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 29, 2001 · N25561 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a takeoff with a hose still attached and a subsequent dynamic rollover.
- [NTSB CHI00LA204](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI00LA204.md): Bell 47G-3B-1 · Holstein, NE · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 16, 2000 · N83701 · Substantial damage
  > the settling with power encountered by the pilot. A factor was the sudden windshift.
- [NTSB LAX98LA309](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA309.md): Texas Helicopter OH-13H · Gilroy, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 26, 1998 · N1001G · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of control for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB NYC98LA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98LA023.md): Hiller UH-12D · Farmingdale, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 24, 1997 · N62316 · Substantial damage
  > The certificated flight instructor's inadequate supervision and failure to maintain directional control.
- [NTSB LAX97LA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA006.md): Bell 47G-5A · King City, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 7, 1996 · N8135J · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain adequate rotor rpm during the takeoff initial climb.
- [NTSB FTW96LA229](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA229.md): Bell 47J · Lakeway, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 26, 1996 · N8412E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate prior to landing.
- [NTSB FTW95LA310](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA310.md): Williams Bell OH13H/Tomcat MK5A · Alicia, AR · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 21, 1995 · N3771W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to remove the refueling hose. A factor was that he diverted his attention from the refueling operation.
- [NTSB NYC95LA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC95LA100.md): Bell 47G-5A · Middleboro, MA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 4, 1995 · N444GW · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a low altitude aerial application turn, which resulted in inadvertent settling with power and the subsequent collision with the terrain.
- [NTSB FTW91LA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91LA091.md): Bell 47D-1 · Peach Orchard, AR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 5, 1991 · N8117 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate main rotor RPM resulting in deteriorated helicopter performance. A factor was the tailwind condition.
- [NTSB LAX90LA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA042.md): Bell 47G-II · Rialto, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 2, 1989 · N2899B · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of directional control and subsequent overcontrol while hovering. Contributing to the accident were the gusty wind conditions and the pilot's inexperience.
- [NTSB LAX89DVA07](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89DVA07.md): Texas Helicopter OH-13E/M74 · Hilmar, CA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Jul 16, 1989 · N38117 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of directional control during an attempted takeoff from a loading platform.
- [NTSB LAX88DUQ04](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88DUQ04.md): Texas Helicopter M74A · Lancaster, CA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Aug 19, 1988 · N51862 · Substantial damage
  > During an aerial application flight, just after takeoff, the nose of the helicopter suddenly pitched up. The pilot reduced power to keep from climbing. The fore/aft cyclic control had no effect. The helicopter settled to the ground resulting in substantial…
- [NTSB NYC88LA214](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88LA214.md): Bell 47G5 · Biddeford, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 11, 1988 · N14861 · Substantial damage
  > The helicopter made an approach to a low hover above a hard surfaced rwy. The helicopter was slowly air taxiing when the plt felt the helicopter become unstable directionally and he considered making a run-on landing. However, before he could make the landing…
- [NTSB LAX88LA126](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88LA126.md): Bell 47G-2A-1 · Oceanside, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 11, 1988 · N73969 · Destroyed
  > The non-U.S. Certificated pilot lost control of the helicopter while hovering 3-FT AGL during a maintenance test flight. The acft descended, touched down hard and rolled over. The non-english speaking pilot immediately departed the scene & reportedly headed…
- [NTSB SEA88LA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA88LA014.md): Bell 47G2 · Lebanon, OR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 26, 1987 · N6141 · Substantial damage
  > The student was performing an autorotation at about 50' AGL and the flare was begun. The instructor pilot noticed that the helicopter was not leveling and took control of the aircraft. The helicopter settled tail low onto the soft ground striking the tail…
- [NTSB MIA87LA145](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA87LA145.md): Bell 47G-2 · Rolling Fork, MS · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 25, 1987 · N202CH · Substantial damage
  > While landing downwind, at an alt of aprx 20 feet, the helicopter began to settle with power. The pilot then attempted to stop the descent, however, because of insufficient alt & airspeed, was unable. The helicopter then landed hard, rolled over, after which,…
- [NTSB LAX86LA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA211.md): Bell 47G-5A · Agana · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 6, 1986 · N2996W · Destroyed
  > The helicopter crashed into the ocean when the plt attempted to lift off from a tuna boat. Reportedly, only three of the four tiedown ropes, which had secured the helicopter to the boat, had been released. The plt's medical certificate was dated 1/18/84.
- [NTSB FTW85LA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA135.md): Hiller UH-12D · Big Spring, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 2, 1985 · N26EW · Substantial damage
  > CFI was demonstrating a simulated eng failure with tailwind of 10 KTS, 20 KTS grnd speed. The acft yawed left and touchdown was made with 10 kt grnd speed. The right skid broke off and the acft rolled over. The maneuver was initiated at 4 ft skid height.
- [NTSB CHI84LA317](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI84LA317.md): Bell 47-G2 · Jeffersonville, OH · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 29, 1984 · N59H · Substantial damage
  > The acft started to settle with power during takeoff after the acft was loaded with chemicals. The plt said he had a choice of, going through a fence or over it and decided to go over it. Pulling collective bled off m/r and the acft stopped flying. The tail…
- [NTSB NYC84LA226](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC84LA226.md): Bell 47J · Cranbury, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 20, 1984 · N9398H · Substantial damage
  > The helicopter had made 4 successful spray passes during this series of runs after reloading. During the turn to start the fifth pass the acft started to settle and contacted the ground before recovery could be made.
- [NTSB LAX84LA341](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA341.md): Bell 47G-5 · Oceanside, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 9, 1984 · N2252W · Substantial damage
  > A security guard with no flight experience attempted to fly the helicopter which he was guarding during early morning hours after substantial alcoholic beverage consumption. The acft sustained substantial damage when it touched down on the rt skid aprx 15 ft…
- [NTSB ATL83LA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83LA011.md): Tomcat MK68 · Cope, SC · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 15, 1982 · N9080T · Destroyed
  > Before starting his takeoff from a trailer, the pilot failed to insure that his helper had released the right rear tiedown chain. During lift-off, the helicopter raised the trailer about 2 to 3 ft before the chain. Broke. Simultaneously, the helicopter was…
- [NTSB FTW82IA268](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82IA268.md): Bell 47G2A1 · Near Mertzon, TX · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Jul 3, 1982 · N73983 · Minor damage
  > While the aircraft was being hovered low and slow around a water trough, directional control was lost. The pilot autorotated to the ground and on touchdown the right skid buckled and the tailrotor gearbox separated when it struck an ant hill. The pilot…

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.engine_model_code IN ('41525')
    AND EXISTS (SELECT 1 FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o.case_mkey = x.case_mkey AND o.aircrafts_position = x.position AND o."occurrenceNumber" = 1 AND o."occurrenceCode" = 250))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?engine=41525&occurrence=250

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OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.