Event FTW96LA005

Factual narrative

On October 3, 1995, at 1310 central daylight time, a Bell 47G-4A, N6SR, registered and operated by Smith Helicopters under Title 14 CFR Part 91 was substantially damaged following a loss of control near Edinburg, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight and a flight plan was not filed. The airline transport rated pilot and one passenger were not injured, while another passenger received minor injuries. The flight was originating, at the time of the accident, from the Santa Anita Ranch. According to the pilot, he lifted off from a flat bed trailer and was hovering at a height of 6 feet. As the helicopter transitioned forward (approximately 20 knots indicated airspeed) and at a height estimated at 15 to 20 feet AGL, the helicopter encountered a 30 knot wind gust approximately 60 to 80 degrees off the left side. The aircraft rolled right, nose pitched down, and the right skid contacted the water. The aircraft came to rest in a pond in approximately 3 1/2 feet of water. Examination of the aircraft revealed that the tailboom had separated from the helicopter, the main rotor mast separated, the main rotor blades and the tail rotor were destroyed, the cockpit windshield was shattered, and the right fuel tank was missing (presumed sunk). According to the pilot, he had lifted off from a flat bed trailer and was hovering at a height of 6 feet. As the helicopter transitioned forward (approximately 20 knots indicated airspeed) and at a height estimated at 15 to 20 feet AGL, the helicopter encountered a 30 knot wind gust approximately 60 to 80 degrees off the left side. The aircraft rolled right, the nose pitched down, and the right skid contacted the water. The aircraft came to rest in a pond in approximately 3-1/2 feet of water. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12