# NTSB ATL05CA161: Bell 47G-3B, N8483E, Summerville, TN, September 15, 2005

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: September 15, 2005, 13:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Summerville, TN
- Coordinates: 35.340831, -89.651947
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.3408&lon=-89.6519&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report December 20, 2005
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: Memphis FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 62596
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL05CA161
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/62596/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL05CA161

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance and adequate visual lookout during take-off which resulted in an in-flight collision with a tree and roll over.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, takeoff
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff
  - terrain condition - ground
- Roll over, takeoff
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

During takeoff, the helicopter's main rotor blade struck a tree 15 feet above the ground.  The helicopter collided with the ground, rolled over and burst into flames.  The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter prior to the accident.

## Factual narrative

"This report is based on information received by the NTSB. Additional details may be found in the NTSB's public docket for this case. For further information contact the NTSB Office of Public Inquiries."

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8483E](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8483E), registered now, S/N 2650, built 1961 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Bell 47G-3B
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-3B](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-3b) (registry code 1181026) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 2650
- Airframe hours: 3015
- Engines: Lycoming VO-435 270 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Billy G Meeks, doing business as Meeks Flying Service
- Registered owner: Billy G Meeks
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, February 1, 2005
- Departed: Summerville, TN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; injuries: minor; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review April 1, 2005; seat: left; flight hours: 11,350 total, 10,000 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,800 ft broken
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 75 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: KNQA

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 20050915028029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20050915028029A), Sep 15, 2005: Bell 47G3B, Mason, TN, Destroyed. (-23) Aircraft was initially resting atop of two 3 foot by 10 foot wooden pads constructed from 5 each 2X8S. The aircraft was facing toward the west with a…

## Other investigations on N8483E (3)

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 LAX79FUJ13](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX79FUJ13), Nov 10, 1978: Bell 47G3B (N8483E), Springerville, AZ, destroyed, 1 fatal
- [NTSB DEN77DQA14](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN77DQA14), Jan 22, 1977: Bell 47G-3B (N8483E), Mccarty, NM, substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX67A0076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX67A0076), Feb 8, 1967: Bell 47G-3B (N8483E), Santa Ana, CA, destroyed

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.

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