SERS · BELL 47J-2 · 1990-11-01 · GATLINBURG, TN, USA
Event
NTSB number
ATL91FA013
Event ID
20001212X24558
Type
Accident
Date
1990-11-01
Location
GATLINBURG, TN, USA
Coordinates
35.7201, -83.490249
Injuries
Highest injury
SERS
Fatal
0
Serious
1
Minor
2
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
3
Aircraft
Make
BELL
Model
47J-2
Registration
N49DA
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
THE ACCIDENT WAS INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE OF THE HELICOPTER, ALLOWING A TAIL ROTOR DRIVE SHAFT BEARING TO EXCEED WEAR LIMITS. THIS RESULTED IN HIGH LOADS ON THE TAIL ROTOR DRIVE SHAFT, AND THE RESULTING FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE DRIVE SHAFT.