# NTSB ATL83LA291: Bell 47G-2, N9046A, Cumberland, KY, July 25, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 24, 1983, 20:45 local (Jul 25, 1983, 00:45 UTC)
- Place: Cumberland, KY
- Coordinates: 36.979244, -82.980262 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.9792&lon=-82.9803&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6138
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL83LA291
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6138/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83LA291

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft weight and balance - exceeded, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS CONDUCTING LOCAL SIGHTSEEING FLTS FROM A SCHOOL PARKING LOT. THE LOT WAS ABOUT 75 YDS BY 35 YDS. ON THE SIDENEAR A HIGHWAY THERE IS A SIX-FOOT CHAIN LINK FENCE THE PLT HAD TO CLEAR DURING EACH TAKEOFF. AFTER BOARDING THE PAX THEPLT HOVERED MOMENTARILY TO GET THE FEEL OF THE LOAD & DECIDED TO CONTINUE THE TAKEOFF. AFTER CLEARING THE FENCE & ACCELERATING INTO TRANSLATIONAL LIFT, THE ACFT SETTLED & IMPACTED THE HIGHWAY & ROLLED OVER SHATTERING THE M/R BLADES. THE ACFT WAS ABOUT 20 LBS ABOVE THE ALTERNATE LOADING LIMIT (CABIN DOORS REMOVED.)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9046A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9046A-1993-04-02), registration cancelled 1993-04-02, S/N 6658 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-2
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-2) (registry code 1181008) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 655-8
- Airframe hours: 11502
- Engines: LYCOMING V0-435 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: William A. Fuller
- Registered owner: Harlan County Helicopters
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; commercial, flight instructor, airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 9,150 total, 1,000 in this make and model, 9,090 as pilot in command, 60 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: LOZ, 52 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 19830724039679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830724039679A), Jul 24, 1983: Bell 47G2, Cumberland, KY, Destroyed. Unable to clear an obstacle on over gross takeoff. Began a turn lost lift settled with power. Rolled on impact.

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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