# NTSB investigations: Lycoming VO-435 series, CA

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

Page 1 of 3 · 130 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB WPR26LA207](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA207.md): Bell 47G-2 · Mettler, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 1, 2026 · N88755 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to ensure the loading hose had been disconnected before takeoff, which resulted in an interrupted takeoff and subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the ground loader's failure to disconnect the hose before…
- [NTSB GAA20CA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA20CA034.md): Bell 47G · King City, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 18, 2019 · N7060J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate, which resulted in a hard landing and the main rotor blades striking the tailboom.
- [NTSB WPR18CA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18CA096.md): Bell 47G · Pixley, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 28, 2018 · N7800S · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from the pilot’s failure to ensure that adequate fuel was on board for the flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s self-induced pressure to complete the flight due to impending…
- [NTSB WPR17LA206](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA206.md): Bell 47G 5 · Salinas, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 17, 2017 · N3285T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a wire.
- [NTSB WPR16LA099](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA099.md): Bell 47G 5 · San Ardo, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 29, 2016 · N6288N · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pin in the outboard end of the lateral flight control torque tube.
- [NTSB WPR15LA193](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15LA193.md): Bell 47G 5 · Salinas, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 20, 2015 · N4427F · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot's visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and loss of helicopter control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment by high-dose opioid use.
- [NTSB WPR15LA116](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15LA116.md): Bell 47G 2A · Ivanhoe, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 27, 2015 · N4774S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB WPR14CA296](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA296.md): Bell 47G 2A · Merced, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 18, 2014 · N47DT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to adequately monitor the environment to maintain clearance from the power pole guide wire during low level maneuvering.
- [NTSB WPR14CA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA196.md): Bell 47G · Bakersfield, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 18, 2014 · N16414 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control after the helicopter's skid catching on the side of a trailer during takeoff, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.
- [NTSB WPR13LA429](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA429.md): Texas Helicopter OH-13E/M74 · Santa Maria, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 29, 2013 · N38113 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate monitoring of the environment and failure to maintain clearance from transmission wires during a low-altitude maneuver.
- [NTSB WPR13LA404](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA404.md): Bell 47G5 · King City, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 11, 2013 · N7836S · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the helicopter’s center frame tube due to a fatigue crack and corrosion originating from a welded surface. Contributing to the accident was maintenance personnel’s inadequate inspection of the helicopter during its most recent 100-hour…
- [NTSB WPR13CA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA084.md): Bell 47G · Five Points, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 3, 2013 · N14841 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with a telephone pole during a low-level maneuver.
- [NTSB WPR11CA339](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11CA339.md): Bell 47G-5 · Watsonville, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 20, 2011 · N1375X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a pole while maneuvering during an aerial application flight.
- [NTSB WPR10LA446](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA446.md): Bell 47G · Salinas, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 3, 2010 · N4427F · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and loss of helicopter control.
- [NTSB WPR09CA333](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA333.md): Bell 47G-2 · Turlock, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 8, 2009 · N6768D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain rotor RPM while maneuvering at a low altitude.
- [NTSB LAX06CA180](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX06CA180.md): Bell 47-G5 · Soledad, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 23, 2006 · N4741R · Substantial damage
  > fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's inaccurate fuel consumption calculations and failure to refuel the helicopter which resulted in a loss of engine power.
- [NTSB LAX04LA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA158.md): Quinn E L Tom Cat MK-5A · Galt, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 15, 2004 · N8429 · Substantial damage
  > a loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel system.
- [NTSB LAX03CA285](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03CA285.md): Bell 47G-5 · Greenfield, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 13, 2003 · N7060J · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the wires due to an inadequate visual lookout.
- [NTSB LAX03LA236](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA236.md): Bell 47G-2A · Porterville, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 20, 2003 · N4774S · Substantial damage
  > Fatigue-induced failure of bolts in the helicopter's rotor drive flange, which resulted in a total loss of torque to the rotor drive shaft.
- [NTSB LAX02LA262](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX02LA262.md): Bell 47G-2 · Oasis, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 25, 2002 · N8478H · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate visual lookout and clearance with power lines while maneuvering during an aerial application flight.
- [NTSB LAX02LA218](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX02LA218.md): Bell 47G-2 · Compton, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 7, 2002 · N2483B · Substantial damage
  > the failure and separation of a fan belt for the engine cooling system. A factor in the accident was the inadequate annual inspection 14 hours prior to the accident.
- [NTSB LAX00LA280](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00LA280.md): Bell 47G-5 · King City, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 2000 · N7885S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's intentional flight into adverse weather which resulted in loss of visual reference and flight into power transmission wires and terrain.
- [NTSB LAX00LA124](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00LA124.md): Bell 47G · Vacaville, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 12, 2000 · N9763Z · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the pilot to see wires and maintain clearance while flying at a low altitude.
- [NTSB LAX00LA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00LA100.md): Bell 47G5 · Riverbank, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 16, 2000 · N4754R · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to verify that ground personnel had disconnected the loading hose from the hopper before takeoff, resulting in restricted directional control and a hard landing.
- [NTSB LAX99LA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA081.md): Hiller UH-12E · Lemoore, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 24, 1999 · N67064 · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate nature of the operator's maintenance, which failed to detect the primer and magneto discrepancies. An overly lean fuel mixture and/or magneto cross firing resulted in detonation, an ensuing connecting rod failure, and a total loss of engine…
- [NTSB LAX98LA309](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA309.md): Texas Helicopter OH-13H · Gilroy, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 26, 1998 · N1001G · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of control for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB LAX98LA225](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA225.md): Bell 47G-5 · Salinas, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 7, 1998 · N7914S · Destroyed
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain clearance with the telephone lines.
- [NTSB LAX98LA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA001.md): Bell 47G-2 · Burbank, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 3, 1997 · N2483B · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB LAX97LA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA006.md): Bell 47G-5A · King City, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 7, 1996 · N8135J · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain adequate rotor rpm during the takeoff initial climb.
- [NTSB LAX96LA326](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA326.md): Bell 47-G5 · Riverside, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 30, 1996 · N57RA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inaccurate perception of altitude which resulted in an improper flare and subsequent hard landing, and non use of the landing light.
- [NTSB LAX96LA287](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA287.md): Bell 47-G5 · Lost Hills, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 23, 1996 · N7885S · Substantial damage
  > improper installation of the carburetor air box.
- [NTSB LAX95LA216](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA216.md): Bell 47-G5 · Coalinga, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 18, 1995 · N7923J · Destroyed
  > clutch slippage for undetermined reasons. A factor in the accident was the helicopter's low above ground altitude, which limited the pilot's time and ability to recover main rotor rpm.
- [NTSB LAX95LA213](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA213.md): Bell 47-G2A · Bakersfield, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 18, 1995 · N73260 · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain adequate lateral clearance from the irrigation standpipe while applying chemicals to a field.
- [NTSB LAX94LA199](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA199.md): Continental Copters Tomcat MK5A · Brawley, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 22, 1994 · N9061T · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude, while maneuvering to land after completing aerial application. Factors related to the accident were: darkness and the lack of visual cues for the pilot to detect the obstruction (power line).
- [NTSB LAX93LA157](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA157.md): Bell 47G5 · Greenfield, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 20, 1993 · N7080J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate clearance from the power lines while performing an aerial application run.
- [NTSB LAX91LA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA128.md): Bell 47G-5A · Farmington, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 10, 1991 · N59403 · Substantial damage
  > The contamination of the engine induction air filter. Soft terrain during the touchdown was a factor in the accident.
- [NTSB LAX90LA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA042.md): Bell 47G-II · Rialto, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 2, 1989 · N2899B · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of directional control and subsequent overcontrol while hovering. Contributing to the accident were the gusty wind conditions and the pilot's inexperience.
- [NTSB LAX90DVM01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90DVM01.md): Bell 47G-5 · Guadalupe, CA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Nov 1, 1989 · N4798R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient clearance allowing the aircraft to collide with a wooden power pole. Contributing to the accident was the sunglare which inhibited the pilot's vision.
- [NTSB LAX89DVA07](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89DVA07.md): Texas Helicopter OH-13E/M74 · Hilmar, CA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Jul 16, 1989 · N38117 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of directional control during an attempted takeoff from a loading platform.
- [NTSB LAX88DUG07](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88DUG07.md): Bell 47G-5A · Perris, CA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Sep 18, 1988 · N4099G · Substantial damage
  > On liftoff, tail rotor control was lost and helicopter spun with main rotor striking terrain. Investigation revealed fatigue failure of engine mounting cage. The eng basket had failed and allowed the t/r drive shaft to pull out of the coupling. The basket had…
- [NTSB LAX88DUQ04](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88DUQ04.md): Texas Helicopter M74A · Lancaster, CA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Aug 19, 1988 · N51862 · Substantial damage
  > During an aerial application flight, just after takeoff, the nose of the helicopter suddenly pitched up. The pilot reduced power to keep from climbing. The fore/aft cyclic control had no effect. The helicopter settled to the ground resulting in substantial…
- [NTSB LAX88LA126](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88LA126.md): Bell 47G-2A-1 · Oceanside, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 11, 1988 · N73969 · Destroyed
  > The non-U.S. Certificated pilot lost control of the helicopter while hovering 3-FT AGL during a maintenance test flight. The acft descended, touched down hard and rolled over. The non-english speaking pilot immediately departed the scene & reportedly headed…
- [NTSB LAX87DVM03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87DVM03.md): Bell 47G-5 · Salinas, CA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Jun 28, 1987 · N6288N · Substantial damage
  > At the end of an aerial application operation, enroute to the airport, the engine quit. The pilot autorotated the helicopter onto a soft field, where on touchdown, the helicopter was substantially damaged. Inspection of the helicopter revealed that the fuel…
- [NTSB LAX86FVD07](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86FVD07.md): Bell 47G-2 · Stockton, CA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Mar 6, 1986 · N6727D · Destroyed
  > The pilot was making a slow pass and dragged one spray boom on the ground. Insufficient airspeed resulted in loss of control. Helicopter crashed.
- [NTSB LAX86LA231](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA231.md): Bell 47G-5 · Castaic, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 27, 1986 · N7802S · Substantial damage
  > The helicopter collided with unmarked wires while heading into sun during spraying operation. Plt does not recall seeing or hitting wires.
- [NTSB LAX86LUG01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LUG01.md): Texas Helicopter M74A · Daggett, CA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Oct 19, 1985 · N51862 · Substantial damage
  > The plt stated he had just lifted off for a fertilizer spreading operation with an external load bucket, when the eng had a partial pwr loss at 100 ft AGL. A descent was started and the bucket was disengaged. However, while the plt was attempting to land the…
- [NTSB LAX85LA344](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA344.md): Bell 47G-2 · Big Bear City, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 1985 · N2899B · Substantial damage
  > On August 12, 1985, a Bell 47G2 helicopter collided with a yucca tree and rolled over during a landing near Big Bear City, CA. The acft sustained substantial damage and the plt and his two passengers were not injured. The purpose of the flight was a aerial…
- [NTSB LAX84LA501](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA501.md): Bell 47G-2 · Borrego Springs, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 29, 1984 · N28895 · Substantial damage
  > After landing, the plt hover taxied to the fuel pumps to refuel. While maneuvering to touch down at the pumps, the main rotor blade struck a 10 to 12 ft high vent pipe. The plt reported that the vent pipes were painted black & were not readily apparent with…
- [NTSB LAX84LA464](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA464.md): Bell 47G-5 · Watsonville, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 29, 1984 · N4096G · Substantial damage
  > The plt maneuvered during an aerial application flt to avoid high tension wires and collided with lower telephone lines. The plt said the winds were gusty at the time of the accident.
- [NTSB LAX84LA462](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA462.md): Bell 47G-2 · El Cajon, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 29, 1984 · N18807 · Substantial damage
  > The helicopter made a hard landing during a test flt. The plt reported that the collective was very stiff and he was notable to stop the descent during landing. FAA inspected the helicopter after the accident and found no discrepancies in the control system…

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?engine=41525&state=CA&page=2

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."eventStateOrRegion" = 'CA' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.engine_model_code IN ('41525'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?engine=41525&state=CA

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