# NTSB FTW88LA008: Bell 47G-2, N8403E, Lapra, TX, October 20, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 20, 1987, 10:15 local (15:15 UTC)
- Place: Lapra, TX
- Coordinates: 28.940504, -99.839225 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.9405&lon=-99.8392&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 16, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22584
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW88LA008
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22584/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW88LA008

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - rotor drive system,clutch assembly - worn (cause)
  - rotor drive system,clutch assembly - deteriorated (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

UPON ENTERING A BANK APPROX. 80 TO 100 FT. OFF THE GROUND, THE AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCED A POWER LOSS WITH VIBRATION. DURING AUTOROTATION THE AIRCRAFT CONTACTED A TREE CAUSING SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE FOUND THE TRANSMISSION CLUTCH ASSEMBLY SHOES WERE WORN AND SEPARATED. THE CLUTCH DRUM WAS FOUND TO BE EXTENSIVELY WORN AND SCORED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8403E](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8403E), registered now, S/N 2257, built 1960 (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: 2257
- Airframe hours: 8497
- Engines: LYCOMING V0-435-F 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Holt Helicopters Inc.
- Registered owner: Holt Helicopters Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, October 13, 1987
- Departed: UVALDE, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 380 total, 55 in this make and model, 265 as pilot in command, 80 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 40° at 17 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 12,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19871020082799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871020082799A), Oct 20, 1987: Bell 47G2, Lapryor, TX, Substantial damage. On game survey at 100 ft AGL engine appeared to vibrate and lose power. Hit trees landing. Rotor clutch worn out.

## Other investigations on N8403E (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 UNK69X0137](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/UNK69X0137), Aug 5, 1969: Bell 47G-2 (N8403E), Ngara Fall, Canada, destroyed, 3 fatal

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.