Pilot Debrief

BELL 47G near El Monte, CA — 2014-05-03

Final reportWPR14LA180
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Date
2014-05-03
Location
El Monte, CA, USA
Airport
EMT
Aircraft
BELL 47G
Registration
N7895B
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power during climbout due to a malfunctioning magneto and spark plugs.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during climbout, the engine experienced a partial loss of power, the helicopter shook violently, and the engine then made a couple of "popping" sounds. He immediately initiated a precautionary landing to an open field. During the landing, the right skid caught on the ground, and the helicopter then rolled onto its right side. During postaccident functional tests, the left magneto and the No. 5 cylinder's spark plugs did not function properly. No further evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation were observed. Therefore, it is likely that the malfunctioning left magneto and spark plugs caused the partial loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after engine issues began.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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