REFUGIO, TX, USA
N7956J
BELL 47G4A
THE HELICOPTER WAS BEING USED TO HERD CATTLE IN A HEAVILY WOODED/BRUSHY AREA. THE PLT REPORTED HE WAS IN A HOVER MANEUVER AT 50-60 FT AGL WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD SOUND FROM THE REAR OF THE HELICOPTER. IT IMMEDIATELY PITCHED NOSE DOWN & STARTED TO ROTATE TO THE RIGHT. AFTER ABOUT 2 ROTATIONS THE HELICOPTER HIT THE GROUND. PHOTOGRAPHS PROVIDED BY THE PLT SHOW THAT THE TAILBOOM & BOTH L & R STABILIZERS HAD SEPARATED. THEY ALSO SHOW AN IMPACT ON THE T/R DRIVE SHAFT & PITCH CHANGE LINKAGE.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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