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NTSB Report
September 26, 1991 · Bell 47G-5A · N59424
Pearsall, TX
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 26, 1991
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Location
Pearsall, TX
Aircraft
Bell 47G-5A
Tail Number
N59424
Operator
Tiller Helicopter Service
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW91LA166
PILOT WAS ON A POWER LINE PATROL FLIGHT AND HAD LANDED IN AN AREA NEAR A ROAD TO REFUEL FROM THE OPERATOR'S TRUCK PRIOR TO THE LAST LEG OF THE DAY. DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB AFTER TAKEOFF, THE SKIDS STRUCK POWER LINES HE HAD NOT OBSERVED DURING THE APPROACH OR TAKEOFF. FOLLOWING THE WIRE STRIKE THE AIRCRAFT NOSED OVER, IMPACTED THE GROUND, AND WAS DESTROYED DURING A POST-CRASH FIRE.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT FOR OBSTACLES DURING OPERATIONS FROM A REMOTE SITE.
Full Narrative
PILOT WAS ON A POWER LINE PATROL FLIGHT AND HAD LANDED IN AN AREA NEAR A ROAD TO REFUEL FROM THE OPERATOR'S TRUCK PRIOR TO THE LAST LEG OF THE DAY. DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB AFTER TAKEOFF, THE SKIDS STRUCK POWER LINES HE HAD NOT OBSERVED DURING THE APPROACH OR TAKEOFF. FOLLOWING THE WIRE STRIKE THE AIRCRAFT NOSED OVER, IMPACTED THE GROUND, AND WAS DESTROYED DURING A POST-CRASH FIRE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:20 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47G-5A
Tail NumberN59424
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorTiller Helicopter Service
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435-B1A · Reciprocating · 260
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 45 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind335° @ 10 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO