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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

June 24, 2002 · Bell 47G-2A · N8486E

La Belle, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 24, 2002
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
La Belle, FL
Aircraft
Bell 47G-2A
Tail Number
N8486E
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL02LA128

The pilot was executing swath runs to apply herbicide solutions to weed plants. While finishing with the second load of spray, the pilot maneuvered to turn the helicopter around and struck unmarked power lines approximately 75 to 100 feet above the ground. The pilot then lost control of the helicopter, and it came down on its side and impacted trees. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction. Examination of the wreckage revealed the main rotor system was damaged, the tail boom was separated, the canopy was shattered, and one skid was separated.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain visual lookout while maneuvering during an aerial application, which resulted in an in-flight collision with power lines and uncontrolled descent into terrain.

Full Narrative

On June 24, 2002, at 0900 eastern daylight time, a Bell 47G-2A helicopter, N8486E, registered to and operated by Airwork Enterprises of Florida, Inc., collided with power lines while maneuvering in a grove in La Belle, Florida. The aerial application flight was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 137 with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries, and the helicopter sustained substantial damage. The flight originated in the grove in La Belle, Florida, about 0800. The pilot was executing swath runs to apply herbicide solutions to weed plants. While finishing with the second load of spray, the pilot maneuvered to turn the helicopter around and struck unmarked power lines approximately 75 to 100 feet above the ground. The pilot stated he was not aware the wires were there. The pilot then lost control of the helicopter, and it came down on its side and impacted trees. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction with the helicopter. Examination of the wreckage revealed the main rotor system was damaged, the tail boom was separated, the canopy was shattered, and one skid was separated.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 47G-2A
Tail NumberN8486E
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-540 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.11 inHg
Observation Time12:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data