# NTSB MKC82DA135: Bell 47J-2, N4070B, Chesterfield, MO, July 31, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: July 31, 1982, 15:45 local (20:45 UTC)
- Place: Chesterfield, MO
- Coordinates: 38.650089, -90.530883 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.6501&lon=-90.5309&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 31, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70218
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC82DA135
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70218/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC82DA135

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition (contributing factor)
- Other gear collapsed, landing

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE TOOK OFF AND WAS GOING THROUGH TRANSLATIONAL LIFT AT ABOUT 15 TO 20 FT AGL WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD BANG. HE SAID THE LOUD BANG WAS ACCOMPANIED BY A POWER LOSS. AN IMMEDIATE DESCENT WAS MADE AND THE HELICOPTER WAS LANDED HARD WITH A FORWARD SPEED OF ABOUT 30 KTS. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT DURING THE LANDING, THE TAIL BOOM WAS CHOPPED OFF AND THE RIGHT SKID COLLAPSED WHEN THE HELICOPTER SKIDDED THOUGH A DITCH. THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING AFTER LANDING. AN EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED NO PREIMPACT DEFICIENCIES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4070B](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4070B), registered now, S/N 1812 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47J-2
- Registry model: [Bell 47J-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47j-2) (registry code 1181104) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-540-series) (registry code 41534, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1812
- Airframe hours: 11110
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-540B1B 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Metropolitan Helicopter Inc
- Registered owner: Metropolitan Helicopter Inc
- Departed: SUS, CHESTERFIELD, MO
- Destination: ALHAMBRA, IL
- Airport: SUS, Spirit Of St. Louis

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; airline transport, commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 4,655 total, 975 in this make and model, 3,855 as pilot in command, 262 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 80° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 176 °F

## 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 19820731051919A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820731051919A), Jul 31, 1982: Bell 47J2, Chesterfield, MO, Substantial damage. Loud bang on intial takeoff. Pilot report loss of lift. Slid into a ditch on landing. Cause undetermined.

## Other investigations on N4070B (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 MIA76FKG60](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA76FKG60), May 3, 1976: Bell 47G (N4070B), Stockbridge, GA, 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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