# NTSB MKC88FA054: Bell 47D1, N7735, Nixa, MO, February 21, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: February 21, 1988, 14:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Nixa, MO
- Coordinates: 37.039749, -93.290939 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.0397&lon=-93.2909&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 7, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34485
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC88FA054
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34485/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC88FA054

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff
  - landing gear,skid assembly - movement restricted (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper assistance - not obtained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - vertical takeoff - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Roll over, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING THE PROCESS OF MOVING THE HELICOPTER FROM THE HANGAR THE RIGHT SKID SLIPPED OFF THE CONCRETE HELIPAD AND BECAME STUCK IN THE MUD. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO DISLODGE THE SKID BY BRINGING THE AIRCRAFT TO A HOVER. THE LEFT SKID BECAME AIRBORNE AND CONTACTED THE PAD SEVERAL TIMES ACCORDING TO A WITNESS. AS THE SKID BECAME DISLODGED THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT, THE AIRCRAFT ROLLED AND CONTACTED THE TERRAIN. THE AIRCRAFT CAME TO REST ON ITS RIGHT SIDE. THE AIRCRAFT WAS DESTROYED BY IMPACT AND POST-IMPACT FIRE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7735](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7735-2013-02-26), registration cancelled 2013-02-26, S/N K8117 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47D1
- Registry model: [Bell - K Copter 47D1](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-k-copter-47d1) (registry code 1180843) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6V4 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6v4-series) (registry code 27033, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: K8117
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6V-335-A 210 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Steve Moore
- Registered owner: Versatile Helicopters, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, July 3, 1984
- Airport: Private Strip

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 900 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SGF, 15 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 19880221004959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880221004959A), Feb 21, 1988: Bell 47D1, Nixa, MO, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Tried to lift a skid from mud. Ground resonance began caused rotor strike and rollover. Self destructed and burned.

## Other investigations on N7735 (4)

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 MKC81DCQ43](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC81DCQ43), Jun 20, 1981: Bell 47G-2 (N7735), Sublette, KS, substantial damage
- [NTSB MKC75FCQ52](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC75FCQ52), Jun 12, 1975: Bell 47D1 (N7735), Holcomb, KS, substantial damage
- [NTSB FTW72FPA09](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW72FPA09), Oct 24, 1971: Bell 47D1 (N7735), Carrollton, TX, substantial damage
- [NTSB FTW69F0497](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW69F0497), May 13, 1969: Bell 47D1 (N7735), Powell, TX, 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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