# NTSB FTW96LA008: Bell 47-G2, N4423, Freer, TX, October 5, 1995 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: October 5, 1995, 09:15 local (14:15 UTC) - Place: Freer, TX - Coordinates: 27.879535, -98.609916 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.8795&lon=-98.6099&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report April 29, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 19682 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW96LA008 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19682/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA008 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines due to his improper takeoff technique. A factor was the helicopter induced blowing dust which impaired the pilot's visibility. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb - terrain condition - loose gravel/sandy (contributing factor) - lift-off - improper, pilot in command (cause) - visual/aural detection, pilot in command (contributing factor) - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - object - wire,transmission ## Analysis The pilot reported that he took off from a road with the winds from the north at 1-3 knots. During the initial climb, 'extremely dusty conditions' from the rotor wash prevented him from seeing the power lines. A skid hooked the lines and the aircraft rotated to the right. The pilot further reported that he increased collective pitch; however, the tail rotor blades contacted the lines and tail rotor control was lost immediately. ## Factual narrative On October 5, 1995, at 0915 central daylight time, a Bell 47-G2, N4423, registered to and operated by a private owner under Title 14 CFR Part 91 was substantially damaged following impact with power lines near Freer, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight and a flight plan was not filed. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries and his passenger was not injured. The flight was originating, at the time of the accident, from the Caramucha Ranch. The pilot reported that he initiated a takeoff from a county road, with the winds from the north at approximately 1-3 knots. During initial climb, "extremely dusty conditions from [the] rotor wash" prevented him from seeing the power lines. A skid "hooked the lines and the aircraft rotated to the right." The pilot further reported that he increased collective pitch; however, "the tail rotor blades contacted the lines and tail rotor control was lost immediately." The pilot responded by "chopping" the throttle and cushioning the landing with the collective. Examination of the aircraft revealed that the tailboom had separated from the helicopter, the centerframe was structurally damaged, and the main rotor blades had partially separated from the aircraft. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N4423](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4423), registered now, S/N 295, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: BELL 47-G2 - 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: 295 - Airframe hours: 4458 - Engines: LYCOMING VO-435 AID 260 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Other work use, Part 91 - Registered owner: Kenneth A. Wilson - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, January 13, 1995, 94 hours before ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 60; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,100 total, 1,000 in this make and model, 45 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 350° at 17 knots - Visibility: 15 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 61 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: LRD, 65 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 19951005048789A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19951005048789A), Oct 5, 1995: Bell 47G2, Freer, TX, Substantial damage. (-16) Aircraft sustained substantial damage due to loss of control following impact with powerlines. No injuries to pilot or passenger. The aircraft was being… ## Other investigations on N4423 (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 CHI79DEG13](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI79DEG13), May 23, 1979: Bell 47G-2 (N4423), Piqua, OH, 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. --- 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.