# NTSB ATL82DA179: Bell 47G-3B-1, N12437, Headland, AL, June 28, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: June 28, 1982, 07:00 local (12:00 UTC)
- Place: Headland, AL
- Coordinates: 31.349639, -85.34056 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.3496&lon=-85.3406&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured; on the ground: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 28, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70995
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL82DA179
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70995/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL82DA179

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, hover
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS POSITIONING THE AIRCRAFT FOR REFUELING WHEN THE MAIN ROTOR CONTACTED THE FUEL METER. THERE WAS SUBSTANTIALDAMAGE TO THE HELICOPTER AND MINOR INJURIES TO THE CHEMICAL LOADER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N12437](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N12437-2015-05-08), registration cancelled 2015-05-08, S/N 6509, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-3B-1
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-3B-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-3b-1) (registry code 1181028) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TVO-435-GIA](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-tvo-435-gia) (registry code 41526, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 6509
- Engines: LYCOMING TVO-435-B1A 220 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 137
- Operator: Maddox, Alton E.
- Registered owner: Early Ag Service, Inc.
- Departed: HEADLAND, AL
- Destination: HEADLAND, AL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 14,500 total, 76 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 15,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 171 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DHN, 10 nm away

## 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 19820628029499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820628029499A), Jun 28, 1982: Bell 47G3B1, Headland, AL, Substantial damage. Helicopter was positioned for fueling, main rotor blade contacted fuel flow meter on refueling tank.

## Other investigations on N12437 (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 SEA77FTI11](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA77FTI11), Apr 17, 1977: Bell 47G3B1 (N12437), Polson, MT, substantial damage

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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