Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's not achieving the proper descent rate prior to touchdown. A factor related to the accident was fuel starvation due to a low fuel level.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On July 30, 1998, at 1630 central daylight time, a Bell 47G-2, N90529, sustained substantial damage when it impacted the terrain following a loss of engine power while maneuvering near Plainview, Minnesota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot reported no injures. The 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight was not operating on a flight plan. The local flight departed from a field near Plainview, Minnesota.
The pilot reported he was in a "hard right hand ag turn" when the engine lost power. The helicopter impacted the terrain hard during the resulting landing.
Post accident inspection of the helicopter by inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration Minneapolis, Minnesota, Flight Standards District Office revealed the helicopter was low on fuel.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI98LA291