Summary
On July 24, 2017, a Bell 47G 3B (N47AH) was involved in an incident near Toterville, IA. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot’s failure to maintain rotor rpm while maneuvering at low altitude with low airspeed and a tailwind.
According to the helicopter pilot, during an agricultural flight, he made a downwind turn to spray the intended field.
During the low airspeed right turn, he increased the engine power and the rotor RPM decreased.
He reported that he leveled the helicopter to clear powerline wires, but the rotor RPM remained low.
The helicopter descended, and the pilot landed the helicopter in a corn field.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and the horizontal stabilizer.
The nearest METAR was 15 nautical miles south-southeast and reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was calm.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA17CA436. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N47AH.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain rotor rpm while maneuvering at low altitude with low airspeed and a tailwind.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
According to the helicopter pilot, during an agricultural flight, he made a downwind turn to spray the intended field.
During the low airspeed right turn, he increased the engine power and the rotor RPM decreased.
He reported that he leveled the helicopter to clear powerline wires, but the rotor RPM remained low.
The helicopter descended, and the pilot landed the helicopter in a corn field.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and the horizontal stabilizer.
The nearest METAR was 15 nautical miles south-southeast and reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was calm.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures 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# GAA17CA436