# NTSB MIA02LA154: Bell 47-D1, N4702S, Union, SC, August 20, 2002 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 20, 2002, 11:00 local (15:00 UTC) - Place: Union, SC - Coordinates: 34.686389, -81.64167 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.6864&lon=-81.6417&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report June 25, 2003 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA - NTSB case key (mKey): 55532 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA02LA154 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/55532/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA02LA154 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - Nose over, landing - flare/touchdown ## Analysis The helicopter had completed an agricultural spraying flight and was in the processes of landing to refuel and re-load chemicals at a portable platform. As the helicopter approached the pad the tail rotor struck a trailer that was close to the pad, flipped forward coming to rest upside down on the other side of the trailer. The pilot had stated that he had no mechanical difficulties before the crash, and that everything was operating "normally." At the time of the accident there was about a 5 to 7 knot crosswind. The pilot was given an NTSB Pilot/Operator Accident Report Form 6120.1/2, by the FAA inspector, but a completed form was not received. ## Factual narrative On August 20, 2002, about 1100 eastern daylight time, a Bell 47-D1, N4702S, registered to an individual, struck a mobile landing platform during a landing near, Union, South Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. No flight plan was filed for the agricultural flight that was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 137. The helicopter was substantially damaged. The commercial-rated pilot reported serious injuries. The flight had originated from the same platform about 1000. According to the FAA inspector, that was at the crash site, the helicopter had completed an agricultural spraying flight and was in the processes of landing to refuel and re-load chemicals at a portable platform. As the helicopter approached the pad the tail rotor struck a trailer that was close to the pad. The helicopter then flipped forward coming to rest upside down on the other side of the trailer. The pilot told the FAA inspector, that he had no mechanical difficulties before the crash, and that everything was operating "normally." At the time of the accident there was about a 5 to 7 knot crosswind. The pilot was given an NTSB Pilot/Operator Accident Report Form 6120.1/2, by the FAA inspector, but a completed form was not received. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N4702S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4702S), registered now, S/N B-101R (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Bell 47-D1 - Registry model: [Bell 47D1](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47d1) (registry code 1180802) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: B-101R - Airframe hours: 600 - Engines: Franklin 6V35 200 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Registered owner: Eugene and Holly Mullis - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special); Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, May 8, 2002, 80 hours before - Departed: Union, SC ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 56; injuries: minor; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review December 28, 2001; seat: left; flight hours: 1,600 total, 1,600 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 100° at 5 knots - Visibility: 8 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 70 °F - Altimeter: 30.05 inHg - Observed at: KGSP, 45 nm away ## 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 20020820027009A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20020820027009A), Aug 20, 2002: Bell 47D1, Union, SC, Substantial damage. (-23) Helicopter was in process of landing on portable platform to refuel and reload chemicals, when tail rotor hit trailer next to platform. ## Other investigations on N4702S (4) 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 MIA98LA230](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98LA230), Aug 29, 1998: Bell 47D1 (N4702S), Dawson, GA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing resulting in debris being blown up during landing resulting in damage to the tail rotor and loss of control. - [NTSB MIA96LA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA96LA028), Nov 15, 1995: Bell 47-D1 (N4702S), Jasper, FL, substantial damage. Probable cause: IMPROPER MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF THE CARBURETOR SYSTEM BY MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL DURING THE LAST ANNUAL INSPECTION WHICH RESULTED IN A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO CARBURETOR ICE.… - [NTSB LAX78FUQ25](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX78FUQ25), May 4, 1978: Bell 47G (N4702S), Sylmar, CA, substantial damage - [NTSB LAX71FUQ33](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX71FUQ33), Oct 20, 1970: Bell 47G (N4702S), Van Nuys, CA, 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.