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NTSB Report
July 27, 2012 · Bell 47G-2A · N652HA
Austin, IN
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 27, 2012
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Austin, IN
Aircraft
Bell 47G-2A
Tail Number
N652HA
Operator
Helicopter Applicators
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12CA484
The pilot was on his third aerial application pass when he momentarily glanced over at his global positioning system and the left spray boom struck the ground. The pilot said the spray boom wiggled back and forth before it folded back into the tailboom. The helicopter then began to spin to the right, and the pilot initiated an autorotation. The helicopter landed hard but remained upright. Examination of the helicopter revealed the spray boom, tail rotor, and tail rotor gear box had completely separated from the airframe. The fuselage and main rotor blades were also damaged. The operator reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot did not maintain clearance from terrain during a low-level aerial application flight and lost control of the helicopter.
Full Narrative
The pilot was on his third aerial application pass when he momentarily glanced over at his global positioning system (GPS) and the left spray boom struck the ground. The pilot said the spray boom wiggled back and forth before it folded back into the tail boom. The helicopter then began to spin to the right and he initiated an autorotation. The helicopter landed hard but remained upright. Examination of the helicopter revealed the spray boom, tail rotor and tail rotor gear box had completely separated from the airframe. The fuselage and main rotor blades were also damaged. The operator reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies prior to the accident.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:35 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47G-2A
Tail NumberN652HA
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHelicopter Applicators
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · 250 C20B · Reciprocating · 400
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class · Serious
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 70 F
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time11:00
Weather SourceWFAC