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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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April 13, 1994 · Bell 47G-2 · N5827U

Willcox, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 13, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Willcox, AZ
Aircraft
Bell 47G-2
Tail Number
N5827U
Operator
Arizona Apple
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX94LA188

DURING A FLIGHT TO DEMONSTRATE HELICOPTER FLYING TECHNIQUES TO ERADICATE FROST FROM AN ORCHARD, THE HELICOPTER LOST ENGINE POWER ABOUT 15 FT AGL AND SETTLED INTO TREES. SAND-LIKE CONTAMINATION WAS FOUND IN THE FUEL, CARBURETOR FUEL BOWL, AND INTERNAL PASSAGES OF THE CARBURETOR.

NTSB Probable Cause

ENGINE POWER LOSS DUE TO FUEL CONTAMINATION AS A RESULT OF INADEQUATE INSPECTION OF THE FUEL AND FUEL SYSTEM.

Full Narrative

On April 12, 1994, about 1830 hours Mountain standard time, a Bell G-2, N5827U, collided with trees after a loss of engine power while maneuvering over an apple orchard about 19 miles north of Willcox, Arizona. The helicopter was being operated by Arizona Apple Company, Inc., Willcox, Arizona, as a business flight under 14 CFR Part 91. The helicopter was substantially damaged, and the two certificated commercial pilots were not injured. The local flight originated from the operator's facilities 1810 hours. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The purpose of the flight was to demonstrate helicopter flying techniques to eradicate frost from the orchard. The pilots reported the helicopter lost power while flying about 15 feet above an apple orchard. The helicopter subsequently settled into trees. Examination of the helicopter's fuel system by an airframe and powerplant mechanic revealed sand-like debris in the fuel samples and the engine carburetor fuel bowl. The mechanic disassembled the carburetor and found the same debris throughout the internal passages.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 47G-2
Tail NumberN5827U
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorArizona Apple
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435-A1F · Reciprocating · 260
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 21 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time00:10
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data