Bell 47G-4A N24HM

Summary

On 24 July 2008 at about 11:52 local time, a Bell 47G-4A registered N24HM, operated by Reabe Flying Service, was involved in an accident near Mayville, Wisconsin, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was slightly damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

24 July 2008 at 11:52

Classification

Accident

Location

Mayville, Wisconsin, United States

Coordinates

43.4910, -88.5406

Aircraft

Bell 47G-4A

Registration

N24HM

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Reabe Flying Service

Operating rule

Part 137: Agricultural

Purpose of flight

Aerial Application

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Mayville → Mayville

Aircraft damage

Minor

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CHI08LA211

1 person died.

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the rotating rotor blades after he exited the helicopter after landing.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

A witness heard the engine running rough when the agricultural application helicopter took off, adjacent to the field that was going to be sprayed. The pilot then landed the helicopter in the field which had tall vegetation and uneven terrain. The left skid separated during landing resulting in the helicopter resting left side low. The pilot then exited and walked around the helicopter when he was struck by the rotating main rotor blades and was fatally injuried. Examination of the engine revealed an exhaust valve that displayed excessive wear which would result in the engine running rough due to the valve sticking. Logbook records show that the engine and parts manufacturer approval (PMA) manufacturer's recommended maintenance had not been performed.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.