# NTSB MIA89LA092: Bell 47G, N863Z, Oklawaha, FL, February 24, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 24, 1989, 07:55 local (12:55 UTC)
- Place: Oklawaha, FL
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 31, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32402
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA89LA092
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32402/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89LA092

## Probable cause

PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY CONTROL THE HELICOPTER DURING AN ATTEMPTED LANDING ON THE BACK OF A TRUCK. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN PERFORMING SIMILAR LANDINGS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, landing - flare/touchdown
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type operation, pilot in command (cause)
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING HIS FIRST LANDING ON THE BACK OF A TRUCK WHEN HE ALLOWED THE HELICOPTER TO PITCH BACK CAUSING THE TAIL ROTOR TO STRIKE THE GROUND WHICH RESULTED IN THE HELICOPTER ROLLING AND THE MAIN ROTOR STRIKING THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N863Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N863Z-2013-08-13), registration cancelled 2013-08-13, S/N C5003, built 1961 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G
- Registry model: [Bell 47G](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g) (registry code 1181002) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6V 350 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6v-350-series) (registry code 27043, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: C5003
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-A1B 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Registered owner: Kenneth T. Mcdowell
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 1,460 total, 3 in this make and model, 1,350 as pilot in command, 80 in the last 90 days, 50 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 10 knots, gusting 18
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 27 °F, dew point 16 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GNV, 35 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 19890224003179A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890224003179A), Feb 24, 1989: Bell 47G, Oklawaha, FL, Substantial damage. Tried to land helicopter for first time on flatbed. Hit tail rotor spun and crashed.

## Other investigations on N863Z (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 SEA76DYG03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA76DYG03), Jul 9, 1975: EL Tomcat MK5A (N863Z), Moses Lake, WA, 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.

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