# NTSB NYC92LA006: Bell 47G-3B-1, N5NH, Catawissa, PA, October 12, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 12, 1991, 15:15 local (19:15 UTC)
- Place: Catawissa, PA
- Coordinates: 40.950729, -76.459007 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.9507&lon=-76.4590&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 4 minor
- Status: Completed, report April 27, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37088
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC92LA006
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37088/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC92LA006

## Probable cause

PILOT FACTOR IN THAT THE PILOT USED POOR JUDGEMENT AND LOADED MORE PASSENGERS THAN WERE SEATS ON THE HELICOPTER THIS RESULTED IN CONTROL INTERFERENCE AND SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF CONTROL. CONTRIBUTING WAS THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO CHECK THE WEIGHT AND BALANCE FOR THE FLIGHT WHICH RESULTED IN FLIGHT OUTSIDE THE FORWARD LIMITS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - cyclic - restricted, passenger (cause)
  - remedial action - not possible, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - grass

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER HAD FUNCTIONING DUAL CONTROLS INSTALLED.  THE PILOT BOARDED THREE PASSENGERS, 2 LARGE ADULTS AND ONE CHILD (TOTALING 520 LBS) FOR A SIGHTSEEING FLIGHT.  THE THREE PASSENGERS WERE SEATED IN A DOUBLE SEAT AND HELD BY ONE SEAT BELT.  AFTER TAKEOFF, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED AN UNCONTROLLED RIGHT TURN AND THE RIGHT SKID STRUCK THE GROUND FLIPPING THE HELICOPTER OVER.  HE SAID THE CYCLIC WAS JAMMED AGAINST ONE OF THE PASSENGERS LEG.  POST CRASH EXAMINATION OF THE WEIGHT AND BALANCE DISCLOSED THE TAKEOFF CENTER OF GRAVITY WAS 1.3 INCHES FORWARD OF THE FORWARD LIMIT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5NH](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5NH), registered now, S/N 3825 (67-17118), built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-3B-1
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-3B-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-3b-1) (registry code 1181028) (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: 3825
- Airframe hours: 5403
- Engines: LYCOMING TVO-435-D1B 270 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Sutliff Farms
- Registered owner: Sutliff Farms
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 2, 2000, 28 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; airline transport, commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 3,850 total, 1,730 in this make and model, 14 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 50 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19911012045979A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19911012045979A), Oct 12, 1991: Bell 47G3B1, Catawissa, PA, Substantial damage. Uncontrolled right turn on liftoff,unable to correct. Dual control blocked by passengers leg. Debris injuries.

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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