# NTSB FTW96LA356: Bell 47 Soloy, N1169W, Intracoastal, LA, August 23, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 23, 1996, 00:00 local (05:00 UTC)
- Place: Intracoastal, LA
- Coordinates: 29.970403, -92.119995 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.9704&lon=-92.1200&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 3, 1997
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19953
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW96LA356
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19953/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA356

## Probable cause

the loss of aircraft control by unknown person(s).

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff
  - aircraft control - not maintained, unknown (cause)
  - stolen aircraft/unauthorized use - initiated, unknown

## Analysis

According to local law enforcement personnel, an 'unknown individual started the helicopter, lifted off the ground, and immediately lost control.'  Examination of the wreckage revealed that the tail boom was severed, and the main rotor system became separated from the helicopter. There were no eyewitnesses to the accident, and no local residents of the area recalled hearing the helicopter or the sound of impact anytime during the night. The operator stated that the helicopter was last operated on the previous afternoon, and the helicopter was secured at 1800. The operator reported the helicopter missing at 0530. No suspects were arrested or charged. Injury index presumed.

## Factual narrative

On August 23, 1996, during the early morning hours, a turbine powered Bell 47 Soloy helicopter, N1169W, registered to a private owner and operated by Exploration Helicopter of Montrose, Colorado, was destroyed while being operated by an authorized person near Intracoastal City, Louisiana.  The unauthorized helicopter flight was by an unknown person(s) resulted in a loss of control.  No evidence of injuries to the occupant(s) was found.  Local authorities reported that flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to local law enforcement personnel, an "unknown individual started the helicopter, lifted off the ground, and immediately lost control."  Examination of the wreckage revealed that the tail boom was severed and the main rotor system became separated from the helicopter.

There were no eyewitnesses to the accident and no local residents of the area recalled hearing the helicopter or the sound of impact anytime during the night.  The operator stated that the helicopter was last operated on the previous afternoon and the aircraft was secured at 1800.  The operator reported the helicopter missing at 0530.  No suspects were arrested or charged.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1169W](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1169W), registered now, S/N 2943, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Bell 47 SOLOY
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-3B-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-3b-1) (registry code 1181028) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 2943
- Airframe hours: 15000
- Engines: Allison 250-C20B 317 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Exploration Helicopters
- Registered owner: Burt & Barbara Metcalf
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, July 10, 1996, 50 hours before
- Departed: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; medical: unknown, unknown

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Visibility: 5 statute miles

## Other investigations on N1169W (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 DEN75DTE62](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN75DTE62), Apr 12, 1975: Bell 47G3B1 (N1169W), Craig, CO, substantial damage
- [NTSB SEA67A0027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA67A0027), Sep 21, 1966: Bell 47G3B1 (N1169W), W.Yellowston, MT, destroyed, 2 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.

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