# NTSB MIA85LA237: Bell 47D1, N4253A, Panama City Bch, FL, August 22, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 22, 1985, 10:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Panama City Bch, FL
- Coordinates: 30.169015, -85.670021 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.1690&lon=-85.6700&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31444
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA85LA237
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31444/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA85LA237

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - ignition system,magneto - shorted (cause)
  - ignition system,spark plug - inoperative (cause)
  - maintenance,inspection - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - ditch

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER CONTACTED A FENCE AND SLID NOSE DOWN INTO A RAVINE DURING A FORCED LANDING. THE PLT REPORTED THAT AFTER TAKEOFF AT AN ALT OF 35 TO 40 FT AGL, A LOAD BANG WAS HEARD AND GRAY/WHITE SMOKE WAS EMITTED FROM THE TRANSMISSION/ENG AREA. THE THROTTLE WAS ROLLED OFF AND COLLECTIVE LOWERED FOR THE FORCED LANDING. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION OF THE ENG REVEALED 11 SPARK PLUGS WERE MISFIRING AND THE RIGHT MAGNETO 'P' LEAD HAD SHORTED OUT ON THE ENG CASE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N4253A (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47D1
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 100
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6VS-335A 225 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Cheryl Brown
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 2,010 total, 900 in this make and model, 1,890 as pilot in command, 400 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,500 ft broken
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 79 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: TLH

## 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 19850822039909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850822039909A), Aug 22, 1985: Bell 47D1, Panama City Bea, FL, Substantial damage. Lost power after liftoff. Struck fence and rolled over during landing. Eleven sparkplugs fouled, p lead shorted.

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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