# NTSB LAX92LA262: Bell 47-G5A, N211CB, Pago Pago (Pacific Ocean), June 21, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 21, 1992, 07:20 local (17:20 UTC)
- Place: Pago Pago (Pacific Ocean)
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27660
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX92LA262
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27660/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA262

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION IN FAILING TO ENSURE THAT ALL SKID TIEDOWNS WERE REMOVED PRIOR TO THE ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF.

## Sequence of events

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

- Miscellaneous/other, takeoff
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - tie down - inadvertent use, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER WAS OPERATED FROM A HELIPAD ON THE FISHING VESSEL M/V KALI FOR FISH SPOTTING MISSIONS.  THE SHIP WAS IN THE TERRITORIAL WATERS NEAR PAGO PAGO, AMERICAN SAMOA AND THE TIME LISTED ABOVE FOR THE ACCIDENT IS LOCAL SHIP TIME. DURING THE ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER ON ITS LEFT SIDE; HOWEVER, IT REMAINED ON THE SHIP DURING THE ENTIRE SEQUENCE.  SHIP CREWMEN WHO WITNESSED THE ACCIDENT REPORTED THAT THE LEFT REAR SKID WAS STILL TIED DOWN TO THE HELIPAD PLATFORM WHEN THE HELICOPTER ATTEMPTED TO TAKEOFF. THE SHIP SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE DECK AND BULWARK PLATES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N211CB](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N211CB-2012-10-16), registration cancelled 2012-10-16, S/N 25073, built 1972 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47-G5A
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-5A](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-5a) (registry code 1181034) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 25073
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B1 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial observation, Part 91
- Operator: Zeta Fishing Company
- Registered owner: Zeta Fishing Company
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, January 2, 2000
- Departed: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, invalid medical for flight; seat: right; flight hours: 10,700 total, 875 in this make and model, 10,150 as pilot in command, 90 in the last 90 days, 25 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 325° at 20 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °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 19920621026709A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920621026709A), Jun 21, 1992: Bell 47G5A, Pago Pago, American Samoa, Substantial damage. Tried to depart ship pad with left rear skid attached. Rolled over on liftoff.

## Other investigations on N211CB (1)

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.

- [NTSB CHI75FEE14](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI75FEE14), Aug 20, 1974: Bell 47G5A (N211CB), Hinsdale, IL, substantial damage

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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