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February 27, 2015 · Bell 47G 2A · N4774S

Ivanhoe, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 27, 2015
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Ivanhoe, CA
Aircraft
Bell 47G 2A (1965)
Tail Number
N4774S
Operator
Barton Aero
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR15LA116

The commercial pilot was maneuvering the helicopter at low altitude to conduct agricultural spraying operations. While departing the coverage area, the pilot saw power lines and attempted to fly underneath them, but the helicopter's main rotor mast struck a wire, and the helicopter subsequently collided with terrain. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

On February 27, 2015, at 1030 Pacific standard time, a Bell 47G 2A, N4774S, collided with a suspended power line 15 miles northeast of Ivanhoe, California. The helicopter was registered to Barton Aero, Inc., and operated by Gilbert Aviation as a 14 Code of Federal Aviation, Part 137 aerial application flight. The commercial pilot was seriously injured, and the helicopter was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who spoke to the pilot, stated that the pilot knew about the power line and attempted to avoid it at the last second by flying under it. The wire caught the main rotor mast and the helicopter came to rest on its right side in an orange tree orchard. The pilot was able to self extract, and sustained numerous broken bones. Examination of the helicopter wreckage by the inspector confirmed that a electrical power cable had wrapped around the helicopter's rotor mast. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 PST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 47G 2A
Tail NumberN4774S
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBarton Aero
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435 A1F · Reciprocating · 220
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Second Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility6 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 46
Altimeter29.86 inHg
Observation Time18:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data