NATCHEZ, MS, USA
N8462E
BELL 47G-3B
THE PILOT STATED THAT HE FAILED TO SEPARATE THE PORTABLE TRANSPORT (DOLLY) BEFORE TAKEOFF. DURING LIFTOFF, HE RECOGNIZED THAT THE DOLLY WAS SECURED AND ATTEMPTED TO LAND. THE HELICOPTER ROLLED ONTO ITS LEFT SIDE, THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES CONTACTED THE GROUND AND SEVERED THE TAIL BOOM. A POST CRASH FIRE ENSUED.
On January 17, 1995, about 1620 central standard time, a Bell 47G-3B, N8462E, registered to Cherrybark Land and Timber Co., Inc., crashed during takeoff from a private airstrip near Natchez, Mississippi, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter was destroyed by a post crash fire and the private-rated pilot sustained minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that before takeoff he failed to separate the ground handling dolly from the helicopter. During liftoff he recognized the dolly was still attached and he attempted to land the helicopter. The helicopter rolled onto its left side. The main rotor blades contacted the ground then severed the tail boom and a fire ensued.
INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT OF THE HELICOPTER BY THE PILOT FOR HIS FAILURE TO SEPARATE THE DOLLY BEFORE ATTEMPTING FLIGHT.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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