N715BH

Substantial
None

BELL 47G 5AS/N: 25105

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
NTSB Number
WPR14CA115
Location
Greenfield, CA
Event ID
20140219X21808
Coordinates
36.280834, -121.166946
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a power pole during low-altitude maneuvering flight.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
BELL
Serial Number
25105
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1973
Model / ICAO
47G 5AB47G
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1
Seats
3
FAA Model
47G-5A

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
WILBUR-ELLIS CO
Address
PO BOX 3650
City
SALINAS
State / Zip Code
CA 93912-3650
Country
United States

Analysis

During the 2 hours leading up to the accident, the pilot of the agriculture and pest control category helicopter had sprayed about 40 acres of crops, having refueled once. He stated that during the last pass of his current field he misjudged the distance between the main rotor blades and a power pole. The main rotor blades struck the pole, and the pilot performed a forced landing into the field. During the landing, the helicopter rolled over, sustaining substantial damage to the firewall, tailboom, and cabin structure. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation, and further stated that the accident could have been avoided if he had flown over the pole rather than attempting to fly around it.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR14CA115