# NTSB MIA89LA133: Bell 47D1, N342L, Miami, FL, April 17, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 17, 1989, 10:00 local (14:00 UTC)
- Place: Miami, FL
- Coordinates: 25.600336, -80.510993 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=25.6003&lon=-80.5110&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report August 2, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32426
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA89LA133
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32426/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89LA133

## Probable cause

THE UNQUALIFIED PERSONS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE FENCE. PRESSURE INDUCED BY OTHERS, LACK OF EXPERIENCE, AND OVER CONFIDENCE IN PERSONAL ABILITY ARE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO THIS ACCIDENT.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - fence (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, unqualified person (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, unqualified person (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, unqualified person (contributing factor)
  - pressure induced by others, unqualified person (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PRIVATE PLT WITH NO HELICOPTER RATING LANDED WITHIN THE CONFINES OF A FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL CENTER FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASSISTING A CONVICTED DRUG SMUGGLER CONFINED TO A LIFE TERM TO ESCAPE. DURING LIFT-OFF, THE TAIL ROTOR STRUCK A CONCERTINA WIRE-TOPPED FENCE & CRASHED. BOTH OCCUPANTS WERE ARRESTED & TRANSPORTED TO THE PRISON WARD OF A LOCAL HOSPITAL. NTSB FORM 6120.1, REPORT OF ACFT ACCIDENT WAS NOT RETURNED BY THE PLT TO THE NTSB'S MIAMI REGIONAL OFFICE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N342L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N342L-2013-08-14), registration cancelled 2013-08-14, S/N 611, built 1952 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47D1
- Registry model: [Bell 47D1](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47d1) (registry code 1180802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6V4 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6v4-series) (registry code 27033, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 611
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6VS-335 225 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Stevens, Charlie C.
- Registered owner: Stevens, Charles C
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: TMB, MIAMI, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 2,600 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 80° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: TMB, 2 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 19890417008279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890417008279A), Apr 17, 1989: Bell 47D1, Miami, FL, Substantial damage. Landed in prison yard, picked up prisoner but hit a fence on takeoff. Pilot,not rated in helicopters,was arrested.

## Other investigations on N342L (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 OAK75FVG66](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK75FVG66), May 13, 1975: Bell 47D-1 (N342L), Sacramento, 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.