# NTSB MIA87LA155: Bell 47G-3B1, N43CD, Panama City Bch, FL, May 3, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 3, 1987, 12:48 local (17:48 UTC)
- Place: Panama City Bch, FL
- Coordinates: 30.20045, -85.789283 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.2005&lon=-85.7893&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 5, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- ADs cited in the narratives: [AD 62-23-02](https://openairdocs.org/ad/62-23-02) (OpenAirDocs)
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31909
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA87LA155
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31909/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA87LA155

## 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, maneuvering
  - rotor drive system,clutch assembly - failure,total (cause)
  - rotor drive system,clutch assembly - fatigue (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
- Ditching, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - water,rough (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF THE ENG BEGAN TO LOSE POWER, THEN FAILED. HE THEN AUTOROTATED & SET THE HELICOPTER DOWN APRX 6 FEET OFFSHORE. EXAMINATION OF THE ENG LOGBOOKS BY FAA PERSONNEL REVEALED THAT AD 62-23-02 WHICH REQUIRES INSP OF THE OIL FILTER EVERY 25 HOURS HAD BEEN OVERDUE BY 20.9 HOURS. INSP OF THE TRANSMISSION REVEALED THAT A 5 1/2 INCH PIECE FROM THE CLUTCH DRUM RING SEPARATED WHICH DISENGAGED THE MAIN ROTOR FROM THE ENG RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF MAIN ROTOR RPM. EXAMINATION OF THE FAILED CLUTCH DRUM RING REVEALED EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT IT FAILED DUE TO FATIGUE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N43CD (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-3B1
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 67 17016
- Airframe hours: 3463
- Engines: LYCOMING VO435A1F 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Whirleybird Helicopters
- Registered owner: Helicopter Charter Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, March 17, 1987, 46 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 656 total, 483 as pilot in command, 110 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 20,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PEN, 5 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 19870503060929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870503060929A), May 3, 1987: Bell TH13T, Panama City Bea, FL, Substantial damage. The helicopter ditched in the ocean after a power loss. Rotor clutch failed from fatigue. An AD not complied with.

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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