# NTSB ATL87LA249: Bell 47G3B1, N38CD, Enterprise, AL, September 6, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 6, 1987, 18:40 local (23:40 UTC)
- Place: Enterprise, AL
- Coordinates: 31.319189, -85.840499 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.3192&lon=-85.8405&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 27, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7511
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL87LA249
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7511/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87LA249

## Sequence of events

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

- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - autorotation - attempted, dual student
  - rotor rpm - not maintained, dual student (cause)
  - throttle/power control - delayed, dual student (cause)
  - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - fatigue(flight and ground schedule), pilot in command(cfi)

## Analysis

DURING A PRACTICE AUTOROTATION, THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT DELAYED IN APPLING POWER TO ARREST THE AUTOROTATIVE DESCENT. THE OTHER PILOT REPORTED THAT THE AUTOROTATION PROFILE WAS WAS NOT THE SAME AS THE PREVIOUS SUCCESSFUL AUTOROTATION. THERE WERE NO REPORTED AIRCRAFT PROBLEMS WHICH WOULD HAVE PREVENTED THE FLIGHT CREW FROM A POWER RECOVERY. BOTH PILOTS WERE QUALIFIED CURRENT FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N38CD](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N38CD-2012-11-13), registration cancelled 2012-11-13, S/N 3680, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G3B1
- Registry model: [Bell TH-13T](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-th-13t) (registry code 1180813) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 3680
- Airframe hours: 4075
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-A1F 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Al Avn & Technical College
- Registered owner: Alabama, Tel
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: OZARK, AL
- Destination: OZARK, AL
- Airport: Enterprise Airport, runway 5, 3,500 × 150 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, multi-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 6,700 total, 65 in this make and model, 200 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19870906049849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870906049849A), Sep 6, 1987: Bell TH13T, Enterprise, AL, Substantial damage. Collided with the runway during a practice autorotation approach. Unable to execute recovery before hitting runway.

## Other investigations on N38CD (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 CHI03FA277](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03FA277), Aug 21, 2003: Bell TH-13T (N38CD), Light, AR, substantial damage. Probable cause: The total failure and seizure of the main rotor transmission while in cruise flight leading to the helicopter’s impact with terrain.

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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