# NTSB FTW96LA005: Bell 47G-4A, N6SR, Edinburg, TX, October 3, 1995 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: October 3, 1995, 13:10 local (18:10 UTC) - Place: Edinburg, TX - Coordinates: 26.290805, -98.159255 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.2908&lon=-98.1593&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor, 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report April 29, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 19679 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW96LA005 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19679/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA005 ## Probable cause the pilot's improper takeoff planning which resulted in the loss of conrol. A factor was the gusty crosswind condition. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor) - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - water ## Analysis According to the pilot, he had lifted off from a flat bed trailer and was hovering at a height of 6 feet. As the helicopter transitioned forward (approximately 20 knots indicated airspeed) and at a height estimated at 15 to 20 feet AGL, the helicopter encountered a 30 knot wind gust approximately 60 to 80 degrees off the left side. The aircraft rolled right, the nose pitched down, and the right skid contacted the water. The aircraft came to rest in a pond in approximately 3-1/2 feet of water. ## Factual narrative On October 3, 1995, at 1310 central daylight time, a Bell 47G-4A, N6SR, registered and operated by Smith Helicopters under Title 14 CFR Part 91 was substantially damaged following a loss of control near Edinburg, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight and a flight plan was not filed. The airline transport rated pilot and one passenger were not injured, while another passenger received minor injuries. The flight was originating, at the time of the accident, from the Santa Anita Ranch. According to the pilot, he lifted off from a flat bed trailer and was hovering at a height of 6 feet. As the helicopter transitioned forward (approximately 20 knots indicated airspeed) and at a height estimated at 15 to 20 feet AGL, the helicopter encountered a 30 knot wind gust approximately 60 to 80 degrees off the left side. The aircraft rolled right, nose pitched down, and the right skid contacted the water. The aircraft came to rest in a pond in approximately 3 1/2 feet of water. Examination of the aircraft revealed that the tailboom had separated from the helicopter, the main rotor mast separated, the main rotor blades and the tail rotor were destroyed, the cockpit windshield was shattered, and the right fuel tank was missing (presumed sunk). ## Aircraft - Registration: [N6SR](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6SR-2013-05-14), registration cancelled 2013-05-14, S/N 7516, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: BELL 47G-4A - Registry model: [Bell 47G-4A](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-4a) (registry code 1181031) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-540-series) (registry code 41534, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 7516 - Airframe hours: 15963 - Engines: LYCOMING VO-540-B1B3 280 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial observation, Part 91 - Registered owner: Smith Helicopters Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, September 19, 1995, 34 hours before - Departed: TX ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 46; airline transport, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 9,700 total, 1,100 in this make and model, 900 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 350° at 18 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 64 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: MFE, 40 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 19951003030889A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19951003030889A), Oct 3, 1995: Bell 47G4A, Edinburg, TX, Substantial damage. Liftoff flatbed encountered wind gust at transitional speed. Rolled. Pitched down. Right skid hit water in a pond. ## Other investigations on N6SR (2) 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 ATL02FA107](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL02FA107), May 25, 2002: Bell 47G-4A (N6SR), Yauco, PR, destroyed, 1 fatal. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to apply carburetor heat that resulted in a partial loss of engine power and the subsequent collision with an object during the forced landing. A factor was weather conditions… - [NTSB FTW95LA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA105), Feb 1, 1995: Bell 47G-4A (N6SR), El Indio, TX, destroyed. Probable cause: THE LOSS OF TAIL ROTOR EFFECTIVENESS. A FACTOR WAS THE GUSTY RIGHT QUARTERING TAILWIND. 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.