# NTSB CHI88DET05: Bell 47J, N2838B, Dowagiac, MI, August 5, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: August 5, 1988, 19:14 local (23:14 UTC)
- Place: Dowagiac, MI
- Coordinates: 41.979179, -86.11061 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.9792&lon=-86.1106&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 31, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13903
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI88DET05
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13903/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI88DET05

## Probable cause

FAILURE TO MAINTIAN ADEQUATE ROTOR RPM BY THE UNQUALIFIED PILOT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, maneuvering
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - inadequate transition/upgrade training, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,annual inspection - not performed (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - induction air control,air filter/screen - blocked(partial) (cause)
  - fluid,fuel grade - incorrect
- Forced landing, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - power on landing
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PRIVATE PILOT WITH AN AIRPLANE SINGLE ENGINE LAND RATING WAS REPORTED TO BE ON HIS FIRST SELF-FAMILIARIZATION FLIGHT IN THIS MAKE & MODEL OF HELICOPTER. HE REPORTED THAT AFTER TAKING OFF, HE FLEW ABOUT 1/2 MILE & STARTED A TURN, THEN THE ENGINE BEGAN LOSING POWER. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE HELICOPTER SETTLED INTO TREES AND WAS DAMAGED. THERE WERE INDICATIONS THAT THE ENGINE WAS STILL PROVIDING POWER AS THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES CONTACTED SMALL TREES DURING THE LANDING. AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE LAST ANNUAL INSPECTION WAS DATED 8/22/85. RAT NEST MATERIAL WAS FOUND IN THE AIR FILTER IN SUFFICIENT QUANTITY TO ALMOST COMPLETELY BLOCK THE FLOW OF AIR. ALSO, THE PILOT'S LAST MEDICAL CERTIFICATE WAS DATED 1/2/86. AUTO FUEL WAS FOUND IN THE FUEL TANKS & CARBURETOR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2838B](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2838B), registered now, S/N 1424, built 1957 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47J
- Registry model: [Bell 47J](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47j) (registry code 1181102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1434
- Airframe hours: 11760
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Chester Ruminer
- Registered owner: Allen Construction Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility; Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, August 22, 1985

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: center; flight hours: 740 total, 700 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SBN, 18 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 19880805030699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880805030699A), Aug 5, 1988: Bell 47J, Dowagiac, MI, Substantial damage. Self familiarzation flight ended by setting into trees. No pilot or medical certificate. No current acft inspection

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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