# NTSB DEN87LA247: Bell 47G-3B1, N7806S, Grand Junction, CO, September 30, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 30, 1987, 12:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Grand Junction, CO
- Coordinates: 39.030677, -108.429733 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0307&lon=-108.4297&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report October 7, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17318
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN87LA247
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17318/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN87LA247

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS PRACTICING SOME HELICOPTER MANEUVERS IN PREPARATION FOR TAKING AN FAA FLT EXAMINATION. DURING ONE OF HIS MANEUVERS THE HELICOPTER'S MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE GROUND CAUSING THE ACFT TO CRASH. A POST ACCIDENT FIRE ERRUPTED AND DESTROYED THE HELICOPTER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7806S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7806S-1989-11-17), registration cancelled 1989-11-17, S/N 6607 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-3B1
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-3B-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-3b-1) (registry code 1181028) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 6607
- Airframe hours: 7748
- Engines: LYCOMING TVO-435-B1A 270 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Brian D. Armentrout
- Registered owner: Geophysical Survey Co.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 2, 1987, 6 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 152 total, 79 in this make and model, 91 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 2 knots
- Visibility: 90 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 34 °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 19870930058689A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870930058689A), Sep 30, 1987: Bell 47G3B1, Grand Junction, CO, Destroyed. Practicing rapid decelerations. Made an abrupt flare. Began settling with power. Hit hard. Rolled over and burned.

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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