SAN DIEGO, CA, USA
XBDGH
BELL 47G-2A1
THE HELICOPTER WAS PARKED AND TIED DOWN ON A HELIPAD ON BOARD A SHIP THAT WAS DOCKED. THE PILOT/MECHANIC FAILED TO RELEASE THE TWO RIGHT SIDE TIE DOWN STRAPS BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO HOVER. WHEN THE HELICOPTER LIFTED FROM THE PAD IT ROLLED OVER. THE AIRCRAFT'S FUEL TANKS WERE RUPTURED DURING THE IMPACT SEQUENCE AND PROVIDED FOR THE POST CRASH FIRE. THE FIRE SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED THE SHIP AND DESTROYED THE HELICOPTER.
PILOTS COMPLACENCY IN PERFORMING THE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION. HIS FAILURE TO DISCONNECT THE TWO TIE DOWNS STRAPS ATTACHED TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HELICOPTER RESULTED THE ROLL.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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