# NTSB LAX84LA462: Bell 47G-2, N18807, El Cajon, CA, August 29, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 29, 1984, 10:10 local (17:10 UTC)
- Place: El Cajon, CA
- Coordinates: 32.790348, -116.959442 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.7903&lon=-116.9594&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24388
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84LA462
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24388/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA462

## Sequence of events

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

- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - rotorcraft flight control,collective control - undetermined (contributing factor)
  - collective - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - flare - delayed, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER MADE A HARD LANDING DURING A TEST FLT. THE PLT REPORTED THAT THE COLLECTIVE WAS VERY STIFF AND HE WAS NOTABLE TO STOP THE DESCENT DURING LANDING. FAA INSPECTED THE HELICOPTER AFTER THE ACCIDENT AND FOUND NO DISCREPANCIES IN THE CONTROL SYSTEM AND MOVEMENT OF THE CONTROLS WAS SMOOTH WITHOUT BINDING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N18807](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N18807), registered now, S/N YH49, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-2
- Registry model: [Bell-Yehnert 47G-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-yehnert-47g-2) (registry code 1181310) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: YH49
- Airframe hours: 1739
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-A1B 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Aircraft & Helicopter Serv Inc
- Registered owner: Unckle Louie, Inc.
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 4, 1984, 9 hours before
- Airport: SEE, Gillespie Field

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 5,255 total, 4,616 in this make and model, 48,134 as pilot in command, 167 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19840829044359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840829044359A), Aug 29, 1984: Bell 47G2, San Diego, CA, Substantial damage. Pilot claims collective became very stiff after takeoff causing uncontrolled descent. No discrepancies found.

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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