Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

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.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

April 28, 1993 · Bell-K Copter 47G-2 · N7766

Walnut Ridge, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 28, 1993
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Walnut Ridge, AR
Aircraft
Bell-K Copter 47G-2
Tail Number
N7766
Operator
Arnold Don
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW93LA139

DURING AGRICULTURE SPRAYING OPERATIONS THE HELICOPTER STRUCK A SET OF ELECTRICAL POWER LINES WITH THE TAILBOOM. THE WIRES CUT THROUGH THE SKIN AND CONTACTED THE TAILROTOR DRIVE SHAFT AND DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WAS LOST. IN AN ATTEMPT TO REGAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL THE PILOT REDUCED POWER BY ROLLING OFF THE THROTTLE. TOUCHDOWN WAS MADE TO A FRESHLY PLOWED FIELD AND THE HELICOPTER ROLLED ONTO ITS RIGHT SIDE. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE SAW THE WIRES JUST PRIOR TO CONTACT; HOWEVER, HE COULD NOT AVOID THEM

NTSB Probable Cause

WAS THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE OF WIRES. A FACTOR WAS THE UNSUITABLE TERRAIN

Full Narrative

On April 28, 1993, at approximately 0745 central daylight time (CDT), a Bell K Copter 47G 2, N7766, was substantially damaged while maneuvering near Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. The commercial pilot was not injured. Weather for their aerial application flight was visual meteorological conditions. The pilot reported, in an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration inspector and in two written statements, that while he was maneuvering the tailboom struck an electrical power line. After the initial contact the wires cut through the skin and contacted the tailrotor drive shaft, resulting in a loss of directional control. Following the loss of directional control the pilot reported that the helicopter began to spin, so he rolled of the throttle. As partial control was regained the helicopter descended uncontrollably to the ground. On ground impact with the freshly plowed field the helicopter rolled onto its side. The helicopter was released to the owner.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:45 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell-K Copter 47G-2
Tail NumberN7766
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorArnold Don
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435-23CR · Reciprocating · 260
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 29 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 6 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 52
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourceWIT

Appendix: Source Data