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NTSB Report

May 19, 2005 · Bell 47G · N8505F

Twin Brooks, SD

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 19, 2005
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Twin Brooks, SD
Aircraft
Bell 47G
Tail Number
N8505F
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI05CA147

The helicopter collided with power lines during an aerial application flight. The pilot reported that he saw the power lines just prior to contacting them. He stated the lines hit the bubble then they traveled over the top of the helicopter contacting the main rotor shaft. He stated the helicopter then settled in a level attitude onto the tracks. The pilot stated he was spraying for the purpose of weed control along the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad when the accident occurred. The pilot stated he was about 2.75 miles into the 3 mile run when the helicopter contacted the lines. The pilot reported that he saw a pole to his left, but it was off in the distance. The pole on his right, which he did not see, was nestled in a group of trees. The pilot reported he was flying at an altitude of 15 to 20 feet above the tracks at an airspeed of 43 to 45 miles per hour. He stated the bubble was clean and the sun was to his back as he flew to the east.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate lookout and his failure to maintain clearance with the power lines. A factor was the low altitude at which the helicopter was operating.

Full Narrative

On May 19, 2005, at 1800 central daylight time, N8505F, a Bell 47G-3B-1, collided with power lines during an aerial application flight in Twin Brooks, South Dakota. The commercial pilot received minor injures. The helicopter was substantially damaged. The 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The local flight originated at Summit, South Dakota, at 1630. The pilot reported that he saw the power lines just prior to contacting them. He stated the lines hit the bubble then they traveled over the top of the helicopter contacting the main rotor shaft. He stated the helicopter then settled in a level attitude onto the tracks. The pilot stated he was spraying for the purpose of weed control along the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad when the accident occurred. The pilot stated he was about 2.75 miles into the 3 mile run when the helicopter contacted the lines. The pilot reported that he saw a pole to his left, but it was off in the distance. The pole on his right, which he did not see, was nestled in a group of trees. The pilot reported he was flying at an altitude of 15 to 20 feet above the tracks at an airspeed of 43 to 45 miles per hour. He stated the bubble was clean and the sun was to his back as he flew to the east.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:00 CDT
Nearest Airport10nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 47G
Tail NumberN8505F
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0

Appendix: Source Data