The Pilot Performed An Autorotation To A Field

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.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov