N8169J

On July 07, 2009, a Bell 47G-3B-2 (N8169J) was involved in an accident near Ocean Shores, WA. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the water while maneuvering due to the pilot's diverted attention.

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.

This accident is documented in NTSB report WPR09CA331. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N8169J.