# NTSB ATL94LA009: Bell 47G2, N866Z, Billingsley, AL, October 25, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 25, 1993, 11:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Billingsley, AL
- Coordinates: 32.659156, -86.699974 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.6592&lon=-86.7000&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 2, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 3320
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL94LA009
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3320/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL94LA009

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER VERTICAL LIFTOFF WHICH RESULTED IN DYNAMIC ROLL-OVER AND THE MAIN ROTOR'S IMPACT WITH THE GROUND.

## Sequence of events

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

- Roll over, takeoff
  - vertical takeoff - improper, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT AS HE ATTEMPTED TO TAKEOFF FROM A TRANSPORT TRAILER, THE RIGHT SKID HOOKED A BRACKET. DYNAMIC ROLL- OVER WAS INDUCED AND THE HELICOPTER ROLLED UNTIL THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES IMPACTED THE GROUND.

## Factual narrative

On October 25, 1993, about 1130 central daylight time, a Bell 47G2 helicopter, N866Z, rolled over during takeoff from a transport trailer near Billingsley, Alabama. The helicopter was registered to and operated by Precision Air Services, Inc. It was operated under 14 CFR Part 137 and visual flight rules. A flight plan was not filed for the agricultural operation. The commercial pilot was not injured while the helicopter was substantially damaged. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the pilot the right skid hooked a bracket on the trailer as lift off occurred. The helicopter rolled over onto its right side, which allowed the main rotor to contact the ground. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N866Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N866Z), registered now, S/N C-5006, built 1962 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G2
- Registry model: [Bell-Carson 47G-SUPER C-4](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-carson-47g-super-c-4) (registry code 1181060) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: C-5006
- Airframe hours: 2172
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-A1D 240 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Precision Air Services, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, September 2, 1993, 36 hours before
- Departed: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 10,000 total, 300 in this make and model, 10,000 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 70° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MGM, 30 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 19931025046189A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19931025046189A), Oct 25, 1993: Bell 47G2, Billingsley, AL, Substantial damage. Skid hooked a bracket on takeoff from trailer pad. Helicopter rolled on its side.

## Other investigations on N866Z (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 NYC68A0044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC68A0044), Sep 15, 1967: Bell 47G-2 (N866Z), Shippensburg, PA, substantial damage
- [NTSB NYC67A0053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC67A0053), Sep 25, 1966: Bell Carson (N866Z), Richmond, VA, 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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