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NTSB Report
July 21, 1997 · Bell 47G-2 · N919SF
Buttonwillow, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 21, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Buttonwillow, CA
Aircraft
Bell 47G-2
Tail Number
N919SF
Operator
G K Lewis Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX97LA248
The pilot reported that he was spraying a cotton field that had power lines crossing it on wooden poles. He stated that as he was 'going around a pole,' the main rotor blade(s) hit the pole. The helicopter then crashed, began burning, and was destroyed.
NTSB Probable Cause
failure of the pilot to maintain adequate clearance from a utility pole (obstruction) during aerial application. The obstruction was a related factor.
Full Narrative
On July 21, 1997, at 1025 hours Pacific daylight time, a Bell 47G-2, N919SF, collided with a power pole during an aerial application flight near Buttonwillow, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter was destroyed in the collision sequence and postcrash fire. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The helicopter was operating under Title 14 CFR Part 137, and the flight originated from the field to be sprayed at approximately 1000. In his written report, the pilot stated that he was spraying a cotton field that had power lines on wooden poles going through it. He stated that he was going around a pole and the main rotor blade hit the pole. The helicopter then rolled over, caught on fire, and was destroyed.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:25 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47G-2
Tail NumberN919SF
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorG K Lewis Aviation
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435-A1F · Reciprocating · 260
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 32 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:56
Weather SourceWFAC