MINR · BELL 47D1 · 2014-01-21 · Pell City, AL, USA
Event
NTSB number
ERA14LA099
Event ID
20140121X71107
Type
Accident
Date
2014-01-21
Location
Pell City, AL, USA
Coordinates
33.565277, -86.303337
Injuries
Highest injury
MINR
Fatal
0
Serious
0
Minor
2
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
2
Aircraft
Make
BELL
Model
47D1
Registration
N93067
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
SUBS
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The pilot’s use of an improper clutch engagement procedure, which resulted in clutch glazing, slippage, and, ultimately, the in-flight disengagement of the clutch and a loss of rotor rpm. Contributing to the accident were the installation of a light-weight clutch assembly and a higher horsepower engine, both of which increased the tendency for clutch slippage, and inadequate inspection of the clutch assembly.