# NTSB NYC86LA227: Bell 47J-2A, N255PH, Newburyport, MA, August 22, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 22, 1986, 18:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Newburyport, MA
- Location: 42.7954° N, 70.8394° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at PLUM ISLAND (2B2), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.7954&lon=-70.8394&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30417
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC86LA227
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30417/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86LA227

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, hover
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PLT EXPERIENCED A TOTAL POWER LOSS OF THE ACFT ENG WHILE PRACTICING AUTOROTATIONS. THE HELICOPTER LANDED HARD, THE MAIN ROTOR FLEXED AND SEVERED THE TAIL BOOM. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION OF THE HELICOPTER REVEALED THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS POSITIONED ON THE RIGHT TANK WHICH CONTAINED NO FUEL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N255PH](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N255PH), registered now, S/N 3307 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47J-2A
- Registry model: [Bell 47J-2A](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47j-2a) (registry code 1181106) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-540-series) (registry code 41534, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 3307
- Airframe hours: 3800
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-540-B1B3 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Richard Hordon
- Registered owner: Richard Hordon
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: 2B2, Plum Island

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 9,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day

## 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 19860822044989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860822044989A), Aug 22, 1986: Bell 47J2A, Newburyport, MA, Substantial damage. Engine quit as pilot practiced autorotation. Main rotor severed tail no hard landing. Fuel selector on empty tank.

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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