# NTSB CHI83LA250: Bell 47G5A, N7995J, Detroit, MI, June 11, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 11, 1983, 13:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Detroit, MI
- Coordinates: 42.329402, -83.079353 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.3294&lon=-83.0794&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12206
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI83LA250
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12206/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI83LA250

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, hover
  - object - utility pole (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, hover

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS ASSIGNED A COMMUNITY AFFAIRS PROJECT TO FLY A 'RONALD MCDONALD' CLOWN TO A NEARBY RESTAURANT FOR A MAGIC SHOW. DURING THE HOVER IN THE LANDING AREA THE ROTOR BLADES STRUCK A LIGHT POLE. THE HELICOPTER PITCHED FORWARD AND LANDED ON THE BUBBLE CANOPY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N7995J (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G5A
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 25051
- Airframe hours: 4376
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-436-B1A 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Public aircraft, Part 91
- Registered owner: Detroit Police Department
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: DETROIT, MI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 3,784 total, 2,466 in this make and model, 3,533 as pilot in command, 74 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DET, 9 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 19830611025019A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830611025019A), Jun 11, 1983: Bell 47G5A, Detroit, MI, Destroyed. Helicopter struck a light pole and nosed over while moving forward in a hover to set down in a parking lot.

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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