# NTSB MKC83FA196: Bell 47G-3B, N73248, Paxton, NE, August 18, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: August 17, 1983, 19:00 local (Aug 18, 1983, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: Paxton, NE
- Coordinates: 41.399562, -102.339836 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.3996&lon=-102.3398&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Standing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/150) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor; on the ground: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33348
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC83FA196
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33348/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC83FA196

## Sequence of events

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

- Roll over, standing - idling rotors
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)
  - vertical takeoff - attempted, pilot in command

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT AFTER LANDING ON A TRUCK PLATFORM, HE DID NOT DECREASE ROTOR RPM & DID NOT LOWER COLLECTIVE TO FLAT PITCH AS HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO RECOVER A PIECE OF PAPER THAT HAD FALLEN TO THE FLOOR ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE COCKPIT. AS HE RELEASED THE CYCLIC CONTROL WITH HIS RIGHT HAND, THE ACFT SLIPPED TO THE RIGHT ACROSS THE PLATFORM'S STEEL SURFACE. THE PLT ADDED LEFT CYCLIC & APPLIED COLLECTIVE PITCH TO LIFT THE ACFT. THE RIGHT SKID CAUGHT ON THE PLATFORM FENCE & THE ACFT ROLLED TO THE RIGHT OFF THE PLATFORM. UPON IMPACTING THE GROUND, THE ACFT BURST INTO FLAMES. THE PLT'S SON ASSISTED HIM IN ESCAPING FROM THE BURNING WRECKAGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N73248](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N73248-2013-10-24), registration cancelled 2013-10-24, S/N 2780, built 1962 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-3B
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-3B](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-3b) (registry code 1181026) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TVO-435-GIA](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-tvo-435-gia) (registry code 41526, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 2780
- Engines: LYCOMING TVO-435-A1B 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Lewis E. Detering
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, expired; seat: left; flight hours: 11,650 total, 400 in this make and model, 11,450 as pilot in command, 81 in the last 90 days, 81 in the last 30 days, 8 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 110° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: LBF, 30 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 19830817041919A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830817041919A), Aug 17, 1983: Bell 47G3B, Paxton, NE, Destroyed. Pilot released cyclic control while helicopter was on platform mounted on truck. Aircraft rolled off platform.

## Other investigations on N73248 (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 DEN75DQA29](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN75DQA29), Jan 29, 1975: Bell 47G-3B (N73248), Dexter, NM, 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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