N47DT

Substantial
Serious

BELL 47G 2AS/N: 1704

Accident Details

Date
Friday, July 18, 2014
NTSB Number
WPR14CA296
Location
Merced, CA
Event ID
20140718X32909
Coordinates
37.295276, -120.532218
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

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

Registration
N47DT
Make
BELL
Serial Number
1704
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
47G 2AB47G
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
BETTENCORT FLYING SERVICE INC
Address
1066 S BERT CRANE RD
Status
Deregistered
City
ATWATER
State / Zip Code
CA 95301-9713
Country
United States

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