Probable cause
The pilot's failure to use carburetor heat, which led to carburetor icing and a loss of engine power following takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The helicopter experienced a total loss of engine power about 2 miles northeast of the departure airport. The pilot then performed an autorotation onto a grass area. The helicopter sustained substantial damage, including damage to the main rotor blades and left side of the fuselage. The pilot was uninjured. Examination of the helicopter revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. A carburetor temperature gauge had been installed in the helicopter. The pilot stated that he did not use carburetor heat during or after the takeoff from the departure airport. Weather conditions at the time winds 290 degrees at 9 knots, gusts to 17 knots, 10 statute miles, 2,900 feet overcast, temperature 23 degrees Celsius, dew point 17 degrees Celsius, and altimeter 30.00 inches. According to the Carburetor Icing Probability Chart, the conditions were conducive to serious icing at glide power.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA317 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 13, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Plymouth, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Canton-Plymouth-Mettetal Airpo (1D2)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 47G
- N-number
- N47WK
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.