N8169J

Substantial
Minor

BELL 47G-3B-2S/N: 6775

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
NTSB Number
WPR09CA331
Location
Ocean Shores, WA
Event ID
20090707X11845
Coordinates
47.002223, -124.139442
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the water while maneuvering due to the pilot's diverted attention.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N8169J
Make
BELL
Serial Number
6775
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1970
Model / ICAO
47G-3B-2B47G
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
FARM & FOREST HELICOPTER SERVICE INC
Address
PO BOX 404
Status
Deregistered
City
NAPAVINE
State / Zip Code
WA 98565-0404
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that while maneuvering low over the harbor for an aerial application flight he directed his attention inside of the helicopter to program the global positioning system (GPS). Subsequently, the helicopter impacted the water in a level upright position. Despite the pilot's control inputs the engine lost power and the helicopter slowly started to settle and roll onto its left side. The helicopter's main rotor blades, tail rotor blades, and the main rotor head assembly were damaged. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter's flight control system or engine prior to the accident.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR09CA331