# NTSB LAX88FA085: Bell 47G-2A1, San Diego, CA, January 13, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: January 12, 1988, 16:00 local (Jan 13, 1988, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: San Diego, CA
- Location: 32.7153° N, 117.1573° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of San Diego, CA, within about 10 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.7153&lon=-117.1573&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 25, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25802
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88FA085
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25802/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88FA085

## Probable cause

PILOTS COMPLACENCY IN PERFORMING THE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION. HIS FAILURE TO DISCONNECT THE TWO TIE DOWNS STRAPS ATTACHED TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HELICOPTER RESULTED THE ROLL.

## Sequence of events

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

- Roll over, hover
  - aircraft preflight - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - complacency, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - tie down - disregarded, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER WAS PARKED AND TIED DOWN ON A HELIPAD ON BOARD A SHIP THAT WAS DOCKED. THE PILOT/MECHANIC FAILED TO RELEASE THE TWO RIGHT SIDE TIE DOWN STRAPS BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO HOVER. WHEN THE HELICOPTER LIFTED FROM THE PAD IT ROLLED OVER. THE AIRCRAFT'S FUEL TANKS WERE RUPTURED DURING THE IMPACT SEQUENCE AND PROVIDED FOR THE POST CRASH FIRE. THE FIRE SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED THE SHIP AND DESTROYED THE HELICOPTER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: XBDGH (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-2A1
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 2818
- Airframe hours: 9024
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-A1F 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Atunera Maya Sa De Cv.
- Registered owner: Atunera Mayasa Decv
- Last inspection: 100 hour, January 8, 1988
- Departed: SAN DIEGO, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 2, invalid medical for flight; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 66 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SAN, 1 nm away

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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