Summary
On July 18, 2014, a Bell 47G 2A (N47DT) was involved in an accident near Merced, CA. The accident resulted in 1 serious 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 adequately monitor the environment to maintain clearance from the power pole guide wire during low level maneuvering.
The operator reported that the helicopter struck a power pole guide wire while the pilot was conducting agriculture application operations. The wire was located on the edge of the field that was being sprayed, running perpendicular to the direction of flight. The wire was about 20 feet above ground level. The helicopter was substantially damaged and a post accident fire occurred. The operator reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
This accident is documented in NTSB report WPR14CA296. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N47DT.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to adequately monitor the environment to maintain clearance from the power pole guide wire during low level maneuvering.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The operator reported that the helicopter struck a power pole guide wire while the pilot was conducting agriculture application operations. The wire was located on the edge of the field that was being sprayed, running perpendicular to the direction of flight. The wire was about 20 feet above ground level. The helicopter was substantially damaged and a post accident fire occurred. The operator reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR14CA296