# NTSB LAX82DA234: Bell 47J-2, N1141W, Corcoran, CA, June 25, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: June 25, 1982, 11:01 local (18:01 UTC)
- Place: Corcoran, CA
- Coordinates: 36.069137, -119.530082 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.0691&lon=-119.5301&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 25, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70337
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX82DA234
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70337/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82DA234

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - vertical takeoff - performed, pilot in command
  - rotor drive system,tail rotor drive shaft - failure,total (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - aircraft parked/standing (contributing factor)
  - object - building(nonresidential) (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - attempted, pilot in command

## Analysis

DURING TAKEOFF FROM A LANDING DOLLY, THE PILOT LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND THE HELICOPTER BEGAN TO SPIN TO THE RIGHT. HE REALIZED THAT HE HAD A TAIL ROTOR FAILURE, BUT REPORTED THAT HE WAS HALF OVER THE DOLLY AND HEADED TOWARD A JET RANGER AND A FUEL SYSTEM. HE STATED THAT HE PULLED BACK INSTEAD OF CHOPPING THE THROTTLE, BUT THEN THE HELICOPTER TURNED TOWARD A HANGER. SUBSEQUENTLY, IT CRASHED IN A COTTON FIELD AWAY FROM THE BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT. THE HELICOPTER BEGAN BURNING, BUT THE OCCUPANTS WERE HELPED OUT OF THE COCKPIT BY OTHER PERSONNEL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N1141W (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47J-2
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 3119
- Airframe hours: 3800
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-540-B1B3 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Part 137
- Operator: Dennis Lee Beeson
- Registered owner: Dennis Lee Beeson
- Departed: COR, CORCORAN, CA
- Destination: COR, CORCORAN, CA
- Airport: COR, El Rico, runway 31, 3,770 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 1,820 total, 1,820 in this make and model, 1,800 as pilot in command, 80 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Temperature: 176 °F

## 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 19820625024829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820625024829A), Jun 25, 1982: Bell 47J2A, Corcoran, CA, Destroyed. Helicopter started spinning as pilot lifted off. Aircraft crashed and burned.

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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