# NTSB CHI92LA193: Bell 47-2A-1, N73952, Dubuque, IA, June 27, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 27, 1992, 08:00 local (13:00 UTC)
- Place: Dubuque, IA
- Coordinates: 42.499122, -90.690643 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.4991&lon=-90.6906&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15483
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI92LA193
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15483/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92LA193

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN BOTH DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER AND CLEARANCE FROM THE TRUCK.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - vehicle
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO FLY THE HELICOPTER OFF OF A FLAT BED TRAILER WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. HE STATED THAT THE RIGHT REAR SKID FELT HEAVY DURING THE LIFT-OFF SO HE APPLIED LEFT CYCLIC. WHEN AIRBORNE, HE APPLIED LEFT PEDAL AND THE HELICOPTER TURNED TO THE LEFT STRIKING A PARKED PICK-UP TRUCK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N73952 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47-2A-1
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 2865
- Airframe hours: 9648
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-A1F 265 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Badger Helicopters, Inc.
- Registered owner: Badger Helicopters, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 10, 1992

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; commercial, private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 3,400 total, 1,117 in this make and model, 3,290 as pilot in command, 66 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °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 19920627025609A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920627025609A), Jun 27, 1992: Bell 47G2A1, Dubuque, IA, Substantial damage. Struck a pickup truck on takeoff from its trailer. Pilot blames stiff controls caused helicopter to swing around.

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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