# NTSB MIA85LA223: Bell 47G-2, N88AR, Ochopee, FL, August 1, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 1, 1985, 10:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: Ochopee, FL
- Location: 25.9015° N, 81.3034° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Ochopee, FL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=25.9015&lon=-81.3034&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Standing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/150) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31435
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA85LA223
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31435/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA85LA223

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, standing - engine(s) operating
  - rotor drive system,main gearbox/transmission - separation (contributing factor)
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Roll over, standing - engine(s) operating
  - terrain condition - water,glassy

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT HE DROPPED HIS PASSENGER OFF AT A WATER STATION IN THE EVERGLADES, WATER TAXIED AWAY FROM THE STATION, ACCELLERATED UP TO 3100 RPM & JUST BEFORE HE ADDED COLLECTIVE PITCH THE TRANSMISSION ASS'Y DEPARTED THE HELICOPTER, IT ROLLED TO THE RIGHT & CAME TO REST INVERTED. NO DETERMINATION COULD BE MADE AS TO THE NATURE OF THE MAIN ROTOR ASS'Y SEPARATION AS DESCRIBED BY THE PILOT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N88AR](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N88AR), registered now, S/N 2046, built 1957 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Bell 47G-2
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-2) (registry code 1181008) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 2046
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-A1B 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Ocean Air Helicopters Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Destination: X53, CLEWISTON, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 2,229 total, 88 in this make and model, 2,151 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MIA, 40 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 19850801061299A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850801061299A), Aug 1, 1985: Bell 47G2, Ochopee, FL, Substantial damage. Helicopter rolled onto side before water takeoff. Transmission case separated. Transmission,main rotor mast failed.

## Other investigations on N88AR (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 SEA75FYE11](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA75FYE11), Aug 11, 1974: Bell 47G-2A (N88AR), Mercer Isl, WA, destroyed

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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