# NTSB Accident LAX04LA176
> **Bell 47G-4A** · 2004-04-03 · Bakersfield, CA, USA · SERS
## 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.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX04LA176) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*