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NTSB Report
November 6, 1989 · Bell 47G/TOMCAT MK5 47G/TOMCAT · N73871
Elberton, GA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 6, 1989
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Elberton, GA
Aircraft
Bell 47G/TOMCAT MK5 47G/TOMCAT
Tail Number
N73871
Operator
Ag-Rotor
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL90DKG02
THE PILOT WAS CONDUCTING A SPRAYING OPERATION IN SUPPORT OF A FEDERAL BOLLWEEVIL ERADICATION PROGRAM. THE HELICOPTER WAS APPROACHING A COTTON FIELD AT 500 FT AGL WHEN THE OWNER BELIEVES HE SAW THE HELICOPTER TURN AWAY. IT THEN WAVERED LATERALLY RIGHT TO LEFT, A LOUD NOISE FOLLOWED, ALL ENGINE NOISE CEASED AND THE HELICOPTER APPEARED TO FALL STRAIGHT DOWN. FIVE SECONDS LATER, A CRASHING SOUND WAS HEARD. WRECKAGE EXAMINATION REVEALED ONLY SMALL AMOUNTS OF FUEL IN THE ENGINE AND ACCESSORIES. HOWEVER, THE FLIGHT DEPARTED WITH ABOUT 25 GALLONS OF FUEL. WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE CONDUCIVE TO CARB ICE WITH THE TEMP BEING 74 DEGS AND THE DEWPOINT AT 6O DEGS. INVESTIGATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE EVIDENCE OF AN ATTEMPTED AUTOROTATIVE PROCEDURE OR A MECHANICAL FAILURE.
NTSB Probable Cause
A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO CARBURETOR ICE.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT WAS CONDUCTING A SPRAYING OPERATION IN SUPPORT OF A FEDERAL BOLLWEEVIL ERADICATION PROGRAM. THE HELICOPTER WAS APPROACHING A COTTON FIELD AT 500 FT AGL WHEN THE OWNER BELIEVES HE SAW THE HELICOPTER TURN AWAY. IT THEN WAVERED LATERALLY RIGHT TO LEFT, A LOUD NOISE FOLLOWED, ALL ENGINE NOISE CEASED AND THE HELICOPTER APPEARED TO FALL STRAIGHT DOWN. FIVE SECONDS LATER, A CRASHING SOUND WAS HEARD. WRECKAGE EXAMINATION REVEALED ONLY SMALL AMOUNTS OF FUEL IN THE ENGINE AND ACCESSORIES. HOWEVER, THE FLIGHT DEPARTED WITH ABOUT 25 GALLONS OF FUEL. WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE CONDUCIVE TO CARB ICE WITH THE TEMP BEING 74 DEGS AND THE DEWPOINT AT 6O DEGS. INVESTIGATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE EVIDENCE OF AN ATTEMPTED AUTOROTATIVE PROCEDURE OR A MECHANICAL FAILURE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:38 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47G/TOMCAT MK5 47G/TOMCAT
Tail NumberN73871
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorAg-Rotor
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-434-A1F · Reciprocating · 260
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 3 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 7500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:50
Weather SourceWFAC