Bell 47G-3B-1, N473TT: Accident occurred June 14, 2020 in Atoka, Tipton County, Tennessee

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. 

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident. 

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Memphis, Tennessee

https://registry.faa.gov/N473TT

Location: Atoka, TN
Accident Number: ERA20LA216
Date & Time: 06/14/2020, 2030 EDT
Registration: N473TT
Aircraft: Bell 47G
Injuries: 3 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On June 14, 2020, about 2030 eastern daylight time, a Bell 47G-3B1, N473TT, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Atoka, Tennessee. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, they departed Burnett Heliport (59TN) Atoka, Tennessee, for a local flight. He stated that about 1.5 miles north of the heliport, while descending through 900 ft, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot performed an autorotation to a field, and during touchdown the main rotor blades struck and severed the aft 20 inches of the tail boom, which included the tail rotor from the airframe. The helicopter had been operated about 8 hours since its most recent 100-hour inspection.

Examination of the accident site by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the helicopter came to rest upright in a field. All major components of the helicopter were accounted for.

The helicopter was retained for further examination. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Bell
Registration: N473TT
Model/Series: 47G 3B1
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Dusk
Observation Facility, Elevation: NQA, 320 ft msl
Observation Time: 2050 EDT
Distance from Accident Site: 11 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 19°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 4 knots / , 50°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.12 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Atoka, TN (59TN)
Destination: Atoka, TN (59TN)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 None
Latitude, Longitude: 35.413333, -89.653056 (est)