# NTSB LAX82FA341: Bell 47G-2, N4242A, San Diego, CA, September 11, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 11, 1982, 14:20 local (21:20 UTC)
- Place: San Diego, CA
- Location: 32.8157° N, 117.1396° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at MONTGOMERY-GIBBS EXEC (MYF), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.8157&lon=-117.1396&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 11, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72490
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX82FA341
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72490/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82FA341

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - power on landing - performed, pilot in command
  - rotorcraft flight control,cyclic bellcrank - inadequate (cause)
  - material defect(inadequate quality of material), manufacturer (cause)
  - rotorcraft flight control,cyclic bellcrank - fatigue (cause)
  - rotorcraft flight control,cyclic bellcrank - failure,total (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
- In flight collision with terrain/water

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS IN THE LOCAL PATTERN PRACTICING MANEUVERS. AFTER COMPLETING A QUICK STOP MANEUVER & HOVERING, ANOTHER TAKEOFF WAS INITIATED. THE PLT STATED THAT IT SEEMED TO TAKE AN UNUSUAL AMOUNT OF FORWARD CYCLIC TO INITIATE FORWARD FLT. DURING THE FINAL APPROACH FULL FORWARD CYCLIC WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO MAINTAIN FORWARD FLT. THE ACFT STOPPED SHORT OF THE LANDING SPOT & STARTED BACKING UP. THE ACFT STRUCK THE GROUND AS THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO RECOVER. THE BROKEN SUPPORT ASSEMBLY FORE & AFT CYCLIC CONTROL, P/N 47-724-132-1, WAS EXAMINED & FOUND TO BE A VERY POOR QUALITY CASTING. COLD SHUTS & SHRINKAGE CAVITIES WERE OBSERVED ON OVER APPROXIMATELY 70% OF THE FRACTURE SURFACE. IT WAS CONCLUDED THAT THE FORE & AFT CYCLIC CONTROL FAILED BY A SLOW FRACTURE PROCESS INITIATED BY THE PRESENCE OF LARGE CASTING DEFECTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4242A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4242A-2014-10-06), registration cancelled 2014-10-06, S/N 22, built 1957 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-2
- Registry model: [Bell 47G](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g) (registry code 1181002) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6V4 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6v4-series) (registry code 27033, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 22
- Airframe hours: 3377
- Engines: LYCOMING O-435-23C 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Kappmeir Alan L.
- Registered owner: Kappmeir Alan L.
- Departed: MYF, SAN DIEGO, CA
- Destination: MYF, SAN DIEGO, CA
- Airport: MYF, Montgomery Field

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 21; private; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 41 total, 41 in this make and model, 16 as pilot in command, 41 in the last 90 days, 18 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 260° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 162 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

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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