# NTSB ATL87LA222: Bell 47G-2, N972B, Huntsville, AL, July 23, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 23, 1987, 17:35 local (22:35 UTC)
- Place: Huntsville, AL
- Location: 34.7304° N, 86.5861° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Huntsville, AL, within about 9 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.7304&lon=-86.5861&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report April 24, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7492
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL87LA222
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7492/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87LA222

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - terrain condition - water
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - ostentatious display, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - descent - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER IMPACTED THE WATER DURING A LOW-ALTITUDE TURN OVER A RIVER. THE PLT MADE A LOW PASS TO THE SOUTH OVER AN ISLAND AT ABOUT 30 FT AGL, TO SHOW THE ISLAND TO THE POLICEWOMAN/TRAFFIC OBSERVER ONBOARD. AS HE WAS MAKING A CLIMBING RIGHT TURN AT ABOUT 40 KTS IAS TO PASS BACK OVER THE ISLAND, THE ACFT ROLLED EXCESSIVELY IN THE DIRECTION OF TURN AND THE NOSE BEGAN TO 'TUCK'. HE ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE SITUATION BY APPLYING OPPOSITE CYCLIC ONLY. HE DID NOT INCREASE THE PWR OR ADD COLLECTIVE PITCH. HE DID NOT REMEMBER IF HE USED ANY LEFT PEDAL TO ASSIST IN COUNTERACTING THE EXCESSIVE TURNING. THE ACFT IMPACTED THE WATER IN A SLIGHT, RIGHT BANK ATTITUDE, WITH THE NOSE LOW. THE PLT REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE AND MAIN ROTOR RPM'S REMAINED 'IN THE GREEN' DURING THE MANEUVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N972B](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N972B), registered now, S/N 1320, built 1959 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-2
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-2) (registry code 1181008) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1320
- Airframe hours: 4591
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial observation, Part 91
- Operator: John L. Lanier, doing business as Valley Flying Service
- Registered owner: Logan J. Lanier
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, February 6, 1987, 56 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; commercial; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 5,600 total, 800 in this make and model, 200 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HSV, 3 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 19870723037559A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870723037559A), Jul 23, 1987: Bell 47G2, Huntsville, AL, Substantial damage. Lost control of aircraft during a turn. Impacted the water nose down in a slight right bank attitude. Aircraft sank

## Other investigations on N972B (4)

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 FTW79FRG10](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW79FRG10), Dec 6, 1978: Bell 47G-2 (N972B), Alamo, TX, destroyed
- [NTSB NYC75FEV23](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC75FEV23), Mar 17, 1975: Bell 47G-2 (N972B), Eddyville, IL, substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX71FUQ14](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX71FUQ14), Jul 30, 1970: Bell 47G-2 (N972B), Oxnard, CA, destroyed
- [NTSB LAX66A0052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX66A0052), Dec 31, 1965: Bell 47G-2 (N972B), Piru, CA, 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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