BELL 47G
Bakersfield, CA — May 18, 2014
Event Information
| Date | May 18, 2014 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR14CA196 |
| Event ID | 20140518X13730 |
| Location | Bakersfield, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 35.43417, -119.05778 |
| Airport | Meadows Field Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | BELL |
| Model | 47G |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control after the helicopter's skid catching on the side of a trailer during takeoff, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to move the helicopter off of a trailer onto the ground. As the helicopter began to lift off from the trailer platform, a steel bolt on the landing gear skid caught on the aluminum trailer skirting. The helicopter experienced a dynamic rollover and came to rest on its right side. Shortly thereafter, a fire erupted and the cabin area was consumed.
The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.