Plane Crash List

Bell 47G-3B-1 N1397X

15 September 1991 · Penuelas · No injuries

Summary

On 15 September 1991 at about 15:15 local time, a Bell 47G-3B-1 registered N1397X, operated by Martinez, Juan F., was involved in an accident near Penuelas. 3 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

The record

Date
at 15:15
Classification
Accident
Location
Penuelas
Coordinates
Not recorded
Aircraft
Bell 47G-3B-1
Registration
N1397X
Category
Helicopter
Engines
1
Operator
Martinez, Juan F.
Operating rule
Part 91: General Aviation
Purpose of flight
Unknown
Phase of flight
Not recorded
Aircraft damage
Substantial
Weather
VMC
Light
Day
NTSB number
MIA91LA217

People

Nobody was injured.

On board Died Serious Minor Uninjured
3 0 0 0 3

Probable cause

INADVERTENT CONTROL INTERFERENCE BY A PASSENGER SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF CONTROL AND ROLL OVER AFTER TOUCHDOWN.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

SHORTLY AFTER LIFT OFF THE PAX SEATED IN THE COPLT'S SEAT PUSHED THE CYCLIC CONTROL STICK FWD WITH HIS KNEE. THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO RECOVER BEFORE IMPACT WITH THE GROUND. THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER AFTER TOUCHDOWN.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.

Other Bell 47 accidents

Date Aircraft Location Operator Outcome Died
28 Oct 1991 Bell 47D-1
N925V
Rome, Georgia, United States Silver Hawk Aviation No injuries -
26 Sep 1991 Bell 47G-5A
N59424
Pearsall, Texas, United States Tiller Helicopter Service, Inc Minor injuries -
19 May 1991 Bell 47G-3B-1
N73903
Malott, Washington, United States Cascade Helicopter No injuries -
20 Aug 1991 Bell 47G
N4062G
Kettleman City, California, United States Shafter Aviation, Inc. Minor injuries -
10 Sep 1991 Bell 47G-3B-2
N2618D
Chula Vista, California, United States K & L Helicopters Minor injuries -
15 May 1991 Bell 47-G3B1
N2619B
Hughesville, Pennsylvania, United States Agricultural Helicopter Serv. Serious injuries -

All 1,633 records for this type