FTW98LA371

The flight was intended to be a solo training flight in the recently acquired helicopter. In a telephone interview, the 9,000 hour commercial pilot [mostly single engine airplane] reported that he lost control of the helicopter while trying to takeoff. He stated that the helicopter rolled to the right upon lift off. While he was trying to correct, the aircraft continued to roll and the main rotor blades contacted the ground. Both main rotor blades fractured and the tail boom was severed. The pilot had a total of 30 hours of flight time in helicopters and about 10 hours in this model. He possessed a valid student endorsement for helicopters. Several attempts were made to obtain NTSB Form 6120.1/2, Pilot/Operator Report. As of the date of this report, Form 6120.1/2 has not been received.

On August 17, 1998, approximately 1100 central daylight time, a Bell 47G helicopter, N2795A, owned and operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged following a loss of control during takeoff from a private ranch near Monette, Arkansas. The commercial rated (airplane) pilot, who held a student certificate for helicopters, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 solo instructional flight. The flight was intended to be a solo training flight for the pilot in the recently acquired helicopter.

In a telephone interview with the NTSB investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that he lost control of the helicopter while trying to takeoff. He stated that the helicopter rolled to the right upon lift off. While he was trying to correct, the aircraft continued to roll and the main rotor blades contacted the ground. Both main rotor blades fractured and the tail boom was severed during the event.

According to an FAA inspector, who is the Principle Operations Inspector (POI) for the pilot's agriculture spraying business, the pilot had a great deal of experience in flying single engine airplanes. The pilot recently acquired the helicopter to learn how to fly it and use it for aerial application. The POI estimated that the pilot had about 30 hours of flight time in helicopters and about 10 solo hours in this model. He also stated that the pilot had a student endorsement to fly the helicopter and was teaching himself to fly.

Several attempts were made to obtain NTSB Form 6120.1/2, Pilot/Operator Report. As of the date of this report, Form 6120.1/2 has not been received.