# NTSB FTW95LA310: Williams Bell OH13H/Tomcat MK5A, N3771W, Alicia, AR, July 21, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 21, 1995, 16:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Alicia, AR
- Coordinates: 35.890491, -91.07901 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.8905&lon=-91.0790&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report January 19, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19507
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW95LA310
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19507/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA310

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO REMOVE THE REFUELING HOSE. A FACTOR WAS THAT HE DIVERTED HIS ATTENTION FROM THE REFUELING OPERATION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff
  - miscellaneous equipment - not removed, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aircraft control - not possible, pilot in command
- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - vehicle

## Analysis

FOLLOWING AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS, THE PILOT LANDED TO REFUEL AND TO LOAD CHEMICALS. AFTER PLACING THE FUEL HOSE IN THE TANK, THE PILOT WALKED AWAY FROM THE HELICOPTER TO TALK TO A CUSTOMER. HE FAILED TO REMOVE THE REFUELING HOSE PRIOR TO TAKEOFF RESULTING IN THE HELICOPTER STRIKING A PARKED VEHICLE.

## Factual narrative

On July 21, 1995, at 1630 central daylight time, a Williams Flying Service OH13H/Tomcat MK5A, N3771W, impacted the ground during takeoff near Alicia, Arkansas.  The commercial pilot was seriously injured and the helicopter sustained substantial damage.  No flight plan was filed for the aerial application flight operated by AAC Flying Service under Title 14 CFR Part 137.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight which was originating when the accident occurred.

The operator reported that the pilot landed to refuel and to load chemicals.  After placing the fuel hose in the tank, the pilot walked away from the helicopter to talk to a customer.  The pilot returned to the aircraft and "attempted to takeoff with the fuel hose still in fuel tank" resulting in the aircraft striking the "ground and a 1990 Ford pickup at the same time."  The rotor blades, skids, and fuselage of the helicopter were damaged.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3771W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3771W-2013-06-04), registration cancelled 2013-06-04, S/N WFS80-1, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: WILLIAMS BELL OH13H/TOMCAT MK5A (OH13H/TOMC)
- Registry model: [Williams Flying Service OH13H/TOMCAT MK5A](https://openairdocs.org/model/williams-flying-service-oh13h-tomcat-mk5a) (registry code 1302760) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: WFS80-1
- Airframe hours: 936
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-A1F 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Aac Flying Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, July 5, 1995, 98 hours before
- Departed: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 1,518 total, 1,389 in this make and model, 1,342 as pilot in command, 359 in the last 90 days, 158 in the last 30 days, 9 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 1 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19950721019309A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950721019309A), Jul 21, 1995: Bell OH13H, Alicia, AR, Substantial damage. During fueling helicopter. Walked away. Failed remove hose. Then tried take off hose attached. Hit parked pickup.

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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