# NTSB MIA98LA154: Bell 47G-2, N6714D, Fort Walton Bch, FL, May 9, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 9, 1998, 15:00 local (20:00 UTC) - Place: Fort Walton Bch, FL - Coordinates: 30.419496, -86.610946 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.4195&lon=-86.6109&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 3 minor - Status: Completed, report February 15, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 38515 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA98LA154 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/38515/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98LA154 ## Probable cause The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. ## Analysis While in cruise flight at 500-600 feet the engine failed. A autorotation was performed and the helicopter touched down in 4-5 feet of water. After touchdown the waves rolled the helicopter to the right and the main rotor contacted the water and stopped. The pilot stated the helicopter contained about 20 gallons of fuel at the time of the accident. Examination of the engine and accessories showed no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction. All fuel lines were found unobstructed. ## Factual narrative On May 9, 1998, about 1500 central daylight time, a Bell 47G-2, N6714D, registered to Penguin-Air Helicopters, Inc., ditched in the Gulf of Mexico, near Fort Walton Beach, Florida, following loss of engine power, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 91 sightseeing flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter received substantial damage and the commercial-rated pilot and two passengers received minor injuries. The flight originated from Fort Walton Beach, Florida, a few minutes before the accident. The pilot stated that he had refueled the helicopter and had about 20 gallons of fuel onboard at the time of the accident. He had completed giving three rides. While on the fourth ride, over the Gulf of Mexico near Fort Walton Beach, at an altitude of 500-600 feet, the engine failed. He entered autorotation and touched down in 4-5 feet of water. The waves caused the helicopter to roll over to the right and the main rotor blades contacted the water and stopped. He and the two passengers then exited the helicopter. Examination of the engine by a mechanic, under the supervision of an FAA inspector, showed the engine assembly rotated and continuity of the crankshaft, valve train, and all accessory drives gears was confirmed. The magneto switch operated normally and each magneto rotated. The magnetos would not fire due to water damage. The carburetor was opened and all ports were found unobstructed. All airframe and engine fuel lines were unobstructed. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, cruise - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause) - Ditching, descent - emergency ## Aircraft - Registration: [N6714D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6714D-2018-05-31), registration cancelled 2018-05-31, S/N 2199, built 1958 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Bell 47G-2 - Registry model: [Bell 47G-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-2) (registry code 1181008) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 2199 - Airframe hours: 6227 - Engines: Lycoming VO-435-A1D 260 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Part 91 - Registered owner: Penguin-Air Helicopter, Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, April 1, 1998, 25 hours before ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 45; commercial; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 3,900 total, 800 in this make and model, 3,000 as pilot in command, 45 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 160° at 6 knots - Visibility: 4 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 72 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: DTS, 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 19980509008539A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980509008539A), May 9, 1998: Bell 47G2, Fort Walton Bea, FL, Substantial damage. Engine quit fllying offshore. Ditched in shallow gulf water. Engine to be torn down. FL. (.4) on may 9, 1998, about 1500 central daylight time, a Bell 47G-2,… ## Other investigations on N6714D (2) 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 MIA67A0105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA67A0105), Apr 8, 1967: Bell 47G-2 (N6714D), Foley, AL, substantial damage - [NTSB MIA66A0003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA66A0003), Jul 7, 1965: Bell 47G-2 (N6714D), Selma, AL, 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.