# NTSB LAX92LA030: Bell 47-G5A, N7162R, Kosrae, October 31, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 31, 1991, 09:55 local (19:55 UTC)
- Place: Kosrae
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 13, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27490
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX92LA030
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27490/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA030

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S IMPROPER PREFLIGHT INSPECTION OF THE HELICOPTER RESULTING IN A TIEDOWN STRAP NOT BEING REMOVED FROM THE RIGHT SKID AND SUBSEQUENT ROLL OVER ON TAKEOFF.

## Sequence of events

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

- Roll over, takeoff
  - tie down - inadvertent use, pilot in command (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE CHIEF OFFICER OF THE FISHING VESSEL DON JUAN Z SAID THAT THE HELICOPTER WAS ATTEMPTING TO LIFT OFF THE HELIPAD AND SUDDENLY ROLLED TO THE LEFT, CRASHING INTO THE STARBOARD SIDE OF THE SHIP, THEN ROLLED INTO THE OCEAN INVERTED.  THE HELICOPTER MECHANIC ASSIGNED TO THE SHIP SAID THAT THE STARBOARD TIEDOWN WAS STILL ATTACHED TO THE RIGHT SKID OF THE HELICOPTER AS IT TRIED TO LIFT OFF. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED AT 0955 LOCAL SHIP TIME.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7162R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7162R-1992-03-31), registration cancelled 1992-03-31, S/N 25071 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47-G5A
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-5A](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-5a) (registry code 1181034) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 25071
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-B1A 265 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial observation, Part 91
- Operator: Don Juan Z Fishing Co.
- Registered owner: Larry Z Fishing Co. Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 8, 1991, 100 hours before
- Airport: NONE, Ship Don Juan Z

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 3,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19911031048229A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19911031048229A), Oct 31, 1991: Bell 47G5A, Kosrae Island, Guam, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Rolled over sideways into ocean while attempting to lift off shipboard helipad. Had neglected to untie right skid.

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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