Williams Bell OH13H/TOMCAT MK5A N3771W

Summary

On 21 July 1995 at about 21:30 local time, a Williams Bell OH13H/TOMCAT MK5A registered N3771W was involved in an accident near Alicia, Arkansas, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

21 July 1995 at 21:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Alicia, Arkansas, United States

Coordinates

35.8905, -91.0790

Aircraft

Williams Bell OH13H/TOMCAT MK5A

Registration

N3771W

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 137: Agricultural

Purpose of flight

Aerial Application

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW95LA310

1 person was seriously injured.

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO REMOVE THE REFUELING HOSE. A FACTOR WAS THAT HE DIVERTED HIS ATTENTION FROM THE REFUELING OPERATION.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

FOLLOWING AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS, THE PILOT LANDED TO REFUEL AND TO LOAD CHEMICALS. AFTER PLACING THE FUEL HOSE IN THE TANK, THE PILOT WALKED AWAY FROM THE HELICOPTER TO TALK TO A CUSTOMER. HE FAILED TO REMOVE THE REFUELING HOSE PRIOR TO TAKEOFF RESULTING IN THE HELICOPTER STRIKING A PARKED VEHICLE.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.