SERS · Bell 47G-4A · 2004-04-03 · Bakersfield, CA, USA
Event
NTSB number
LAX04LA176
Event ID
20040409X00442
Type
Accident
Date
2004-04-03
Location
Bakersfield, CA, USA
Coordinates
35.349998, -119
Injuries
Highest injury
SERS
Fatal
0
Serious
1
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
1
Aircraft
Make
Bell
Model
47G-4A
Registration
N7NB
FAR Part
137
Engines
1
Damage
SUBS
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
a loss of tail rotor drive due to a disconnection of the drive shaft's splined coupling at the tail rotor gear box. The splined coupling to tail rotor gear box disconnection occurred as a result of tail boom flexing due to the combined effects of an uninstalled structural support tube and a crack in left side frame tubes. Inadequate maintenance inspection was a factor.