Pilot Debrief

BELL 47G near Plymouth, MI — 2010-06-13

Final reportCEN10CA317
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Date
2010-06-13
Location
Plymouth, MI, USA
Airport
1D2
Aircraft
BELL 47G
Registration
N47WK
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to use carburetor heat, which led to carburetor icing and a loss of engine power following takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The helicopter experienced a total loss of engine power about 2 miles northeast of the departure airport. The pilot then performed an autorotation onto a grass area. The helicopter sustained substantial damage, including damage to the main rotor blades and left side of the fuselage. The pilot was uninjured. Examination of the helicopter revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. A carburetor temperature gauge had been installed in the helicopter. The pilot stated that he did not use carburetor heat during or after the takeoff from the departure airport. Weather conditions at the time winds 290 degrees at 9 knots, gusts to 17 knots, 10 statute miles, 2,900 feet overcast, temperature 23 degrees Celsius, dew point 17 degrees Celsius, and altimeter 30.00 inches. According to the Carburetor Icing Probability Chart, the conditions were conducive to serious icing at glide power.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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