# NTSB CHI84LA211: Bell 47G, N10174, Drummond Island, MI, May 28, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 28, 1984, 16:15 local (20:15 UTC)
- Place: Drummond Island, MI
- Coordinates: 46.000137, -83.670104 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.0001&lon=-83.6701&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12628
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI84LA211
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12628/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI84LA211

## Sequence of events

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

- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - water,rough (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT HAD PREVIOUSLY MADE 2 LOCAL FLTS, DURING WHICH, HE PRACTICED WATER LANDINGS & TAKEOFFS AS WELL AS OTHER MANEUVERS. ON THE 3RD FLT, HE MADE SEVERAL WATER TAKEOFFS & LANDINGS. THEN WHILE ON A LANDING, THE HELICOPTER BEGAN TO ROLL QUICKLY TO THE RIGHT. HE APPLIED LEFT CYCLIC & UP COLLECTIVE, BUT THE ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE WATER. THE HELICOPTER ROLLED INVERTED, BUT CONTINUED TO BE SUPPORTED BY THE FLOATS. THE PASSENGER SUFFERED WATER INJESTION & WAS HOSPITALIZED. THE PLT ESTIMATED THAT THE WIND WAS FROM THE NORTHWEST AT 15 KTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N10174](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N10174-2008-04-11), registration cancelled 2008-04-11, S/N 691, built 1953 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G
- Registry model: [Bell 47G](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g) (registry code 1181002) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6VS-335 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6vs-335-series) (registry code 27040, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 691
- Airframe hours: 9090
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6VS 335A 225 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Lewis P. Benua
- Last inspection: Annual, October 30, 1983
- Departed: BALD ISLAND, MI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 7,647 total, 47 in this make and model, 5,065 as pilot in command, 118 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 315° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °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 19840528018879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840528018879A), May 28, 1984: Bell 47G, Drummond Island, MI, Substantial damage. A float touched the water during an aerial taxi around a buoy. Helicopter rolled over. Indicates dynamic rollover.

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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