# NTSB ATL84FA001: Bell 47G-3B1, N1334X, Pliny, WV, October 1, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 1, 1983, 09:45 local (13:45 UTC)
- Place: Pliny, WV
- Location: 38.6204° N, 81.9874° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Pliny, WV, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.6204&lon=-81.9874&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 2 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6225
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL84FA001
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6225/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL84FA001

## 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
  - misc eqpt/furnishings - not removed (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - load jettison - not used, pilot in command

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER WAS BEING USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF ELECT TRANSMISSION LINES. A 150-FT LONGLINE CABLE HAD BEEN UTILIZEDON AN EARLIER FLIGHT FOR LIFTING EXTERNAL LOADS. HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THE LONGLINE TO BE ATTACHED ON THE ACCIDENT FLIGHT AS THE PAX WERE BEING TRANSPORTED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THEIR CONSTRUCTION & INSPECTION DUTIES. THE HELICOPTER TOOK OFF WITH THE LONGLINE ATTACHED & NO EXTERNAL LOAD. AFTER TAKEOFF, THE HELICOPTER MOVED FORWARD ABOUT 200 FT TO A TREELINE & BEGAN A LEFT TURN, AWAY FROM TOWER 51 WHERE THE TAKEOFF WAS INITIATED, TOWARD A POINT WHERE ONE OF THE PAX WAS TO BE DISCHARGED. AS THE HELICOPTER FLEW OVER THE TREES THE LONGLINE BECAME ENTANGLED IN THE TREES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1334X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1334X-2003-03-19), registration cancelled 2003-03-19, S/N 6555, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Bell 47G-3B1
- 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: 6555
- Airframe hours: 6976
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20 400 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Other work use, Part 133
- Operator: Beartooth Helicopters, Inc.
- Registered owner: Blain Sales Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, March 14, 1983, 81 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane, helicopter; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 9,625 total, 310 in this make and model, 287 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 50° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CRW, 20 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 19831001052579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831001052579A), Oct 1, 1983: Bell 47G3B1, Pliny, WV, Destroyed. Long line caught on trees as helicopter climbed after takeoff. Had neglected release line for the passenger flight.

## Other investigations on N1334X (2)

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 DEN83LA154](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN83LA154), Jun 30, 1983: Bell 47G-3B-1 Soloy (N1334X), Townsend, MT, substantial damage
- [NTSB DEN68A0006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN68A0006), Jul 22, 1967: Bell 47G3B1 (N1334X), Leadville, CO, 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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