# NTSB LAX94LA322: Bell 47-G3B, N65678, Truk Island, Micronesia, August 16, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 15, 1994, 14:00 local (Aug 16, 1994, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Truk Island, Micronesia
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report December 19, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28828
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX94LA322
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28828/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA322

## Probable cause

THE PILOT MISJUDGED THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE HELICOPTER'S ROTOR BLADES AND THE COCONUT TREES.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, landing
  - object - tree(s)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS EXECUTING A STEEP APPROACH TO A CONFINED LANDING AREA.  THE PILOT MISJUDGED THE HELICOPTER'S CLEARANCE FROM THE COCONUT TREES AND THE ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE TREES.

## Factual narrative

On August 15, 1994, at 1400 Hawaii standard time, a Bell helicopter 47-G3B, N65678, crashed during landing in front of the Continental Hotel beach area at Truk Island, Federated States of Micronesia, about 150 miles southeast of Guam.  The pilot was conducting a local visual flight rules personal flight.  The helicopter, operated by Hansen Helicopters, Tamuning, Guam, sustained substantial damage.  The certificated commercial pilot sustained fatal injuries.  The flight originated from a tuna boat operating near the Truk Islands at 1330 hours.

The operator reported in the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, that the pilot was executing a steep approach in a confined area on the beach.  The area was surrounded with large coconut trees.  During the steep approach, the rotor blades struck a coconut tree that tore the transmission and rotor head from the helicopter.

He said the helicopter then descended, uncontrollably, to the ground.  The landing area sloped downward and the helicopter rolled over.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N65678](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N65678-1999-12-16), registration cancelled 1999-12-16, S/N 2766 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47-G3B
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-3B](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-3b) (registry code 1181026) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 2766
- Airframe hours: 5290
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-A1F 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Hansen Helicopters
- Registered owner: Hansen Helicopters
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 18, 1994, 40 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; commercial, private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,929 total, 95 in this make and model, 1,841 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 80 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °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 19940815021519A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940815021519A), Aug 15, 1994: Bell 47G3B, Chuuk Isle, PS, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. Struck coconut trees trying to land on a beach. Impact tore transmission and rotor head from helicopter.

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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