MARATHON, FL, USA
N73268
BELL 47J-2A
THE PILOT REPORTED THAT AN INTERMITTENT VIBRATION WAS FELT DURING THE MAGNETO CHECK BEFORE TAKEOFF. DURING A SECOND MAGNETO CHECK AT HIGH POWER, THE NOSE OF THE HELICOPTER CAME UP, A LOUD EXPLOSIVE NOISE WAS HEARD, AND A FIRE ERUPTED NEAR THE LEFT FUEL TANK. THE PILOT AND PASSENGER ABANDONED THE HELICOPTER UNINJURED, BUT IT WAS DESTROYED. THIS WAS THE FIRST FLIGHT AFTER MAINTENANCE HAD BEEN COMPLETED. HOWEVER, AN EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED NO PREIMPACT FAILURES. A WITNESS STATED THAT WHEN THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO TAKEOFF, THE REAR END OF THE RIGHT SKID CAUGHT UNDER A BOARDWALK, THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OR BANKED, AND THE MAIN ROTOR STRUCK THE TAIL BOOM.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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