ATL94LA172

The operator reported that during departure from the aerial application loading area, an undetermined malfunction occurred. The pilot aborted the takeoff, and made a slide-on landing to the grassy area between the runway and adjacent crops. During the sliding stop, the spray boom caught in the crops, the right skid collapsed, and the helicopter rolled over. The engine was examined with no anomalies found. Density altitude at the time of the accident was 2300 feet.

On September 13, 1994, about 1750 central daylight time, a Bell 47D1 Wasp, N908B, failed to climb during departure at Hazel Green, Alabama, collided with crops, and rolled over. The helicopter was operated by the pilot/owner under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 137, and visual flight rules. A flight plan was not filed for the aerial application flight. The commercial pilot was not injured, and the helicopter was substantially damaged. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the operator's report, during the attempted takeoff from the loading area, an unknown malfunction occurred. The pilot elected to execute a slide-on landing in the grassy area between the runway and a cotton field. As the helicopter was sliding to a stop, the spray boom caught in cotton stalks beside the takeoff area. The helicopter yawed, the right skid broke off, and the aircraft rolled over, severing the tail boom. According to the operator's report, the pilot had 3500 flight hours in the same make and model aircraft.

An inspector from the Alabama Flight Standards District Office reported that cylinder number one would hold 95 pounds of pressure, using an automotive compression tester. Cylinders number three and five would hold 110 pounds, and cylinders number two, four, and six would hold 140 pounds. Magneto timing, spark plug condition, and carburetor heat operation were all reported as ok. The engine was cranked and oil pressure came up. The inspector believed that the engine would operate within specifications, if a rotor assembly were attached. Density altitude for the time of the accident was calculated to be 2300 feet, based upon an elevation of 814 feet and a temperature of 83 degrees, Fahrenheit.