# NTSB FTW85LA288: Bell 47G-5, N8197J, Crane, TX, July 16, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 16, 1985, 06:45 local (11:45 UTC)
- Place: Crane, TX
- Coordinates: 31.389389, -102.350746 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.3894&lon=-102.3507&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21800
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85LA288
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21800/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA288

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, hover
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Roll over, other

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER WAS BEING OPERATED FROM A FLAT BED TRAILER. THE PLT STATED HE HAD LIFTED TO A 3 FOOT HOVER WHEN THE ENG STOPPED. THE HELICOPTER SUDDENLY ROTATED ABOUT 45 DEGS BEFORE HE COULD STOP IT. THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE AN AUTOROTATION TOUCHDOWN BUT WAS STILL PARTIALLY OVER THE TRAILER. THE REAR PORTION OF THE RIGHT SKID CONTACTED THE EDGE OF THE TRAILER, AND THE HELICOPTER ROLLED TO THE LEFT. THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES CONTACTED THE GROUND WHICH RESULTED IN DESTRUCTION OF THE HELICOPTER AS THEY CONTINUED TO ROTATE. THE CAUSE OF THE ENG FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8197J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8197J-2013-02-27), registration cancelled 2013-02-27, S/N 25012, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-5
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-5](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-5) (registry code 1181032) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 25012
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-B1A 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Lloyd L. Davis, Jr.
- Registered owner: Elmer G. Herring
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Airport: E13, Crane

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 21,534 total, 560 in this make and model, 21,350 as pilot in command, 240 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day

## 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 19850716031629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850716031629A), Jul 16, 1985: Bell 47G5, Crane, TX, Destroyed. Engine quit on liftoff from transport trailer. Skid caught edge of trailer. Main rotor blades hit ground and trailer.

## Other investigations on N8197J (1)

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.

- [NTSB MIA74DLD71](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA74DLD71), Mar 9, 1974: Bell 47G5 (N8197J), Arcadia, FL, substantial damage

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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