# NTSB FTW88LA073: Brantly Helicopter B-2B, N2233U, Decatur, TX, February 27, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 27, 1988, 11:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Decatur, TX
- Coordinates: 33.229694, -97.589591 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.2297&lon=-97.5896&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 11, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22620
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW88LA073
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22620/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW88LA073

## Sequence of events

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

- Roll over, takeoff
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE NON-CERTIFICATED PILOT FLEW THE HELICOPTER FROM HIS RANCH TO DECATUR FOR REFUELING. AFTER LANDING, HE REALIZED THAT HE WAS TOO FAR FROM THE FUEL PUMP. UPON LIFTOFF TO MOVE CLOSER TO THE PUMP THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER. THE PILOT ATTRIBUTED THE ACCIDENT TO A GUST OF WIND THAT PITCHED THE HELICOPTER SIDEWAYS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2233U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2233U-2013-04-15), registration cancelled 2013-04-15, S/N 480, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Brantly Helicopter B-2B
- Registry model: [Brantly B-2B](https://openairdocs.org/model/brantly-b-2b) (registry code 1440506) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 480
- Engines: LYCOMING IVO-360-A1A 178 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Boydston, Glen
- Registered owner: Joe W.W Gremillion
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: 8F7, Decatur Municipal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; seat: right; flight hours: 35 total, 35 in this make and model, 35 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 30 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: FTW, 29 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 19880227027119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880227027119A), Feb 27, 1988: Hynes B2B, La Porte, TX, Substantial damage. Lifted helicopter to move it closer to gas pumps. Wind gust caused a skid to hit and collapse. Rotors then impacted

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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