BELL 47G
Plymouth, MI — June 13, 2010
Event Information
| Date | June 13, 2010 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN10CA317 |
| Event ID | 20100614X12040 |
| Location | Plymouth, MI |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 42.34806, -83.45639 |
| Airport | Canton-Plymouth-Mettetal Airpo |
| 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 use carburetor heat, which led to carburetor icing and a loss of engine power following takeoff.
Full Narrative
The helicopter experienced a total loss of engine power about 2 miles northeast of the departure airport. The pilot then performed an autorotation onto a grass area near interstate 275. The helicopter sustained substantial damage, which included damage to the main rotor blades and left side of the fuselage. The pilot was uninjured. Examination of the helicopter revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation and the installation of a carburetor temperature gauge. The pilot stated that he did not use carburetor heat during or after the takeoff from the departure airport. Weather conditions at the time winds 290 degrees at 9 knots, gusts to 17 knots, 10 statute miles, 2,900 feet overcast, temperature 23 degrees Celsius, dew point 17 degrees Celsius, and altimeter 30.00 inches. According to the Carburetor Icing Probability Chart, the conditions were conducive to serious icing at glide power.
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.