DUMMERSTON, VT, USA
N48316
BELL 47-G3B1
THE PLT INITIATED A PRACTICE AUTOROTATION FROM ABOUT 600 FT AGL. AIRSPEED WAS ABOUT 55 KTS WITH LOW M/R RPM DUE TO LOW GROSS WEIGHT. A MODERATE FLARE WAS INITIATED IN AN EFFORT TO INCREASE ROTOR RPM, REDUCING THE AIRSPEED TO 40 KTS. HOWEVER, THE APPLICATION OF COLLECTIVE FAILED TO ARREST THE DESCENT RATE & THE T/R STRUCK THE GROUND CAUSING THE HELICOPTER TO VIBRATE. WHEN THE T/R STRUCK, ABOUT 6 INCHES OF ONE TIP BROKE CAUSING MORE VIBRATION. THE PLT ATTEMPTED TOLAND THE HELICOPTER, BUT DRIVE TO THE T/R CEASED TO RESPOND, & THE HELICOPTER YAWED TO THE RIGHT. THE LEFT SKID STRUCK THE GROUND & COLLAPSED, & THE MAST ASSEMBLY WAS PROJECTED THROUGH THE CANOPY BUBBLE.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports
