Pilot Debrief

BELL 47G-2 near Walkerville, MI — 2012-12-01

Final reportCEN13LA086
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Date
2012-12-01
Location
Walkerville, MI, USA
Aircraft
BELL 47G-2
Registration
N3755Z
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain altitude while maneuvering, which resulted in a collision with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude, which did not provide enough margin to recover from the descent.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude, which did not provide enough margin to recover from the descent.

NTSB narrative

The passenger reported that the pilot was maneuvering the helicopter over an area of tree-covered marsh at a low altitude when the helicopter entered a descent, collided with trees, and impacted the ground on its left side. An examination of the wreckage found damage consistent with the main rotor blades being driven by the engine when they contacted the trees. Although the passenger reported hearing a loud sound before the helicopter started descending, postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. The circumstances of the accident are consistent with the pilot failing to maintain altitude while maneuvering at low airspeed and low altitude, which resulted in the helicopter descending into trees.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have maintained altitude by managing power and airspeed during low altitude flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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