# NTSB CHI85FA198: Bell 47G-2, N3755J, Burlington, MI, May 16, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 16, 1985, 13:45 local (17:45 UTC)
- Place: Burlington, MI
- Coordinates: 42.099727, -85.069389 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.0997&lon=-85.0694&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12836
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85FA198
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12836/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85FA198

## Sequence of events

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

- Roll over, hover
  - object - vehicle (contributing factor)
  - landing gear - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - collective - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER WAS DEPARTING FROM A TRAILER WHICH WAS SLOPED 5 DEGS TO THE LEFT. DURING TAKEOFF, THE LEFT SKID LIFTED OFF FIRST AND THE HELICOPTER DRIFTED TO THE RIGHT. THE RIGHT SKID CAUGHT ON THE TRAILER GUIDES AND THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER TO THE RIGHT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3755J](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3755J), registered now, S/N 1537, built 1958 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-2
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-2) (registry code 1181008) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1537
- Airframe hours: 14907
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Ronald L Nearpass
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 10, 1984, 133 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,660 total, 406 in this make and model, 1,509 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 260° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,200 ft broken
- Temperature: 59 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: BTL, 20 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 19850516017909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850516017909A), May 16, 1985: Bell 47G2, Burlington, MI, Substantial damage. Struck side of trailer during off loading for spray operation. Rolled over, blade separated and struck pilot.

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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