MIA93FA121

The pilot-in-command who was not certificated to fly helicopters struck a tree with the main rotor while on approach. The blades shattered and the helicopter crashed and burst into flames.

History of flight

On May 16, 1993, about 0925 central daylight time, N970B, a Bell 47-G helicopter registered to Rogers International Corporation, crashed in Parker, Florida, while on a 14 CFR 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The pilot and one passenger were fatally injured and the helicopter was destroyed. There was a postcrash fire. The flight had originated from a small field about 13 minutes earlier.

Witnesses stated they observed the helicopter land and the pilot removed the right door from the helicopter. The reported purpose of the flight was to allow the passenger to photograph land nearby. The helicopter was observed to take off and about 13 minutes later witnesses observed the helicopter main rotor blades strike a tree while on approach to the same small field that it had departed earlier. The helicopter then rolled to the right and crashed beneath the tree. A fire erupted immediately and the helicopter was destroyed. Local fire personnel extinguished the fire shortly after their arrival.

Personnel information

The pilot William C. Rogers was the holder of a private pilots certificate with ratings for airplane single engine land. The pilot had recieved some instruction in helicopter flight but was not rated in any category of rotorcraft. The pilot's logbooks were not located. The pilot had obtained a class III medical certificate on May 10, 1991, with the restriction that he possess corrective lenses. The pilot stated on his application for this medical certificate that he had 5,600 hours of logged flight time. Interviews with the pilot's friends revealed that the pilot had undergone aortic graft surgery since May 1991.

Aircraft information

N970B, was a Bell 47-G helicopter manufactured in 1954. A review of available manufacturer and FAA records revealed that the helicopter was destroyed in 1968. The helicopter was then rebuilt with overhauled components in 1987 by Coastal Helicopters and sold to the pilot. Additional aircraft information is located within this report.

Meteorological information

The weather reporting station at Tyndall Air Force Base is located about 8 miles southeast of the accident site. The recorded weather at 0946 was: 2,000 feet scattered clouds, 7 miles visibility, temperature 74 degrees, dewpoint 64 degrees, winds 260 degrees magnetic at 8 knots, altimeter 30.06 inHg.

Wreckage and impact information

The wreckage of N970B was located beneath a tree resting on the right ride of the helicopter. The cabin area and instruments were destroyed by fire. The wood main rotor blade root ends were installed in the rotor hub and pieces of the blades were scattered over 140 yards ahead of the wreckage. Examination of the leading edges of the shattered blades revealed compression gouges with bark and tree wood imbedded in the compressions. The tree above the wreckage had multiple broken limbs which were strewn around the field. The main rotor flight contols were burned away and the rod ends of each contol rod were found still attached to their correct position. The tail rotor flight contols were examined and found to be functional and still attached. The cyclic and collective cockpit controls were destroyed by fire. The engine and transmission were removed and transported to a shop for examintion. The transmission was opened and found to exhibit normal wear with all components in their proper location. The internal freewheeling clutch was found functional. A cold compression check of the engine was accomplished using 200 psi shop regulated compressed air. The results were: No. 1 200/200, No. 2 150/200, No. 3 155/200, No. 4 90/200 No. 5 70/200 No. 6 145/200. The No. 5 cylinder had valve leakage around the burned exhaust valve.

Medical and pathological information

A postmortem examination of the pilot was conducted by Dr. G.D. Cumberland on May 16, 1993. Dr. Cumberland reported that the cause of death was blunt force injury and asphyxiation due to carbon monoxide poisoning. The results of a toxicological examination were negative for alcohol and positive for temazepam in the blood and urine. Metoclopramide and acetaminophen were found in the urine.

Additional information

The wreckage of N970B was released to Mr. Greg Clubbs at the request of the pilot's company personnel on May 18, 1993.