Bell 47-D1 N755E

Summary

On 29 September 1998 at about 12:05 local time, a Bell 47-D1 registered N755E, operated by Sky Tractor, Inc., was involved in an accident near Oxford, Mississippi, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

29 September 1998 at 12:05

Classification

Accident

Location

Oxford, Mississippi, United States

Nearest airport

University-Oxford (UOX)

Coordinates

34.3509, -89.5191

Aircraft

Bell 47-D1

Registration

N755E

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Sky Tractor, Inc.

Operating rule

Part 137: Agricultural

Purpose of flight

Aerial Application

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Unknown → Batesville

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Dawn

NTSB number

MIA98LA254

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control due to vibration from the main rotor blade for undetermined reasons. A related finding was the improper repair of a crack in the laminant of the blue main rotor blade by other maintenance personnel.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

No discrepancies were found during the preflight. Shortly after takeoff, about 400-500 feet agl, the pilot felt a short duration minor vibration in the cyclic. The vibration increased in intensity but reduced when collective was lowered. He flew towards a clearing but with obstructions in the flight path, he intentionally collided with trees. Weeks earlier, the pilot noted a crack in the laminate on the top of the 'blue' main rotor blade which progressed thru to the bottom of the blade. Two mechanics inspected the blade; one determined that water was present, the other reported that the crack was only in the laminant. A mechanic repaired the crack by applying a two-part adhesive externally to cover the crack. According to the helicopter maintenance and overhaul instructions manual, there was no mention that epoxy type material can be applied to the surfaces of the fiberglass cloth that was damaged. Post accident examination of the flight controls revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. Examination of the blue main rotor blade revealed a segment of blade missing but no determination could be made as to the reason for the separation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.