Pilot Debrief

BELL 47G-2A-1 near Brasstown, NC — 2021-06-28

Final reportERA21LA272
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Date
2021-06-28
Location
Brasstown, NC, USA
Airport
PVT
Aircraft
BELL 47G-2A-1
Registration
N147AH
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s inflight loss of control while conducting a hovering maneuver.

NTSB narrative

The non-helicopter rated pilot reported that he had departed from a stationary trailer and hover taxied in ground effect. Upon reaching a taxiway that was parallel to the runway, he lost control of the helicopter and it impacted the ground multiple times before coming to rest on its side. A post-crash fire ensued and the helicopter was destroyed. The pilot stated that he believed he lost control of the helicopter and it had been “running fine” before the accident. Witnesses stated they observed the helicopter lift off from the transport trailer and that once the helicopter cleared the trailer, “it got real wobbly.” The main rotor blades struck the ground two or three times and while continuing forward, the right landing gear skid tube “hit the ground pretty hard”. They said, “the helicopter then bounced back into the air, spun to the right (clockwise) and landed on its left side.”

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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