# NTSB SEA70F0017: Bell 47G-3, N8409E, Deer Lodge, MT, June 4, 1969

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Closed
- Date: June 4, 1969
- Place: Deer Lodge, MT · DEER LODGE, MT
- Location: 46.3985° N, 112.7327° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Deer Lodge, MT, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.3985&lon=-112.7327&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Uncontrolled descent](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/650) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report December 18, 1969
- Report: Brief approved by the director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 171480
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA70F0017
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA70F0017

## NTSB brief

```
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 FILE    DATE          LOCATION          AIRCRAFT DATA       INJURIES       FLIGHT                        PILOT DATA
                                                               F  S M/N     PURPOSE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-2600   69/6/4  NR.DEER LODGE,MONT    BELL 47G-3          CR-  0  1  0  NONCOMMERCIAL             PRIVATE, AGE 57, 49 TOTAL
        TIME - 2000                    N8409E              PX-  0  1  0  BUSINESS                  HOURS, ALL IN TYPE, NOT
                                       DAMAGE-DESTROYED    OT-  0  0  0                            INSTRUMENT RATED.
        DEPARTURE POINT             INTENDED DESTINATION
         DEER LODGE,MONT             DEER LODGE,MONT
        TYPE OF ACCIDENT                                         PHASE OF OPERATION
           COLLISION WITH GROUND/WATER: UNCONTROLLED                IN FLIGHT: UNCONTROLLED DESCENT
        PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
           PILOT IN COMMAND - IMPROPER OPERATION OF FLIGHT CONTROLS
           PILOT IN COMMAND - FAILED TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ROTOR R.P.M.
         FIRE AFTER IMPACT
        REMARKS- PLT DIED 21 DAYS AFTER ACCIDENT.ATTEMPTED LDG ON A HILLTOP.LOST CTL WHILE HOVERING AT APRXLY 2 FT.
```

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8409E](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8409E), registered now, S/N 2603, built 1960 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-3
- Registry model: [Bell 47G](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g) (registry code 1181002) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6VS-335 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6vs-335-series) (registry code 27040, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Engines: reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed

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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