# NTSB ATL90DKG02: Bell 47G/Tomcat MK5, N73871, Elberton, GA, November 6, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: November 6, 1989, 14:38 local (19:38 UTC)
- Place: Elberton, GA
- Coordinates: 34.099662, -82.859695 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.0997&lon=-82.8597&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report October 24, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8079
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL90DKG02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8079/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL90DKG02

## Probable cause

A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO CARBURETOR ICE.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (cause)
  - carburetor heat - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - uncontrolled
  - autorotation - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS CONDUCTING A SPRAYING OPERATION IN SUPPORT OF A FEDERAL BOLLWEEVIL ERADICATION PROGRAM. THE HELICOPTER WAS APPROACHING A COTTON FIELD AT 500 FT AGL WHEN THE OWNER BELIEVES HE SAW THE HELICOPTER TURN AWAY. IT THEN WAVERED LATERALLY RIGHT TO LEFT, A LOUD NOISE FOLLOWED, ALL ENGINE NOISE CEASED AND THE HELICOPTER APPEARED TO FALL STRAIGHT DOWN. FIVE SECONDS LATER, A CRASHING SOUND WAS HEARD. WRECKAGE EXAMINATION REVEALED ONLY SMALL AMOUNTS OF FUEL IN THE ENGINE AND ACCESSORIES. HOWEVER, THE FLIGHT DEPARTED WITH ABOUT 25 GALLONS OF FUEL. WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE CONDUCIVE TO CARB ICE WITH THE TEMP BEING 74 DEGS AND THE DEWPOINT AT 6O DEGS. INVESTIGATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE EVIDENCE OF AN ATTEMPTED AUTOROTATIVE PROCEDURE OR A MECHANICAL FAILURE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N73871](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N73871-2013-05-07), registration cancelled 2013-05-07, S/N CC1-163, built 1963 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G/TOMCAT MK5 (47G/TOMCAT)
- Registry model: [Bell-Continental Copters 47G-ELTOMCAT MKII](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-continental-copters-47g-eltomcat-mkii) (registry code 1181062) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6A4200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6a4200-series) (registry code 27027, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: CCI 163
- Airframe hours: 4176
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-434-A1F 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Ag-Rotor Inc
- Registered owner: Ag-Rotor, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 1, 1989, 534 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; toxicology performed; flight hours: 16,000 total, 197 in the last 90 days, 83 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 10° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 7,500 ft broken
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: AGS, 50 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19891106046999A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891106046999A), Nov 6, 1989: Bell STC47, Elberton, GA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Helicopter waivered in air. Loud metallic sound and then fell to the ground. Unable to determine cause.

## Other investigations on N73871 (5)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB ATL82DLG12](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL82DLG12), Jul 2, 1982: Bell-Cont 42G EL TOMCAT-MK5A (N73871), Oswego, SC, substantial damage
- [NTSB MIA76FLG07](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA76FLG07), Aug 12, 1975: Bell 47G (N73871), Pinewood, SC, substantial damage
- [NTSB MIA72FLG05](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA72FLG05), Aug 2, 1971: Bell 47G (N73871), Sumter, SC, destroyed
- [NTSB MIA66A0008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA66A0008), Jul 12, 1965: Bell Tomcat (N73871), Skene, MS, substantial damage
- [NTSB UNK64X1530](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/UNK64X1530), Apr 30, 1964: Cont Copter 47G (N73871), Windsor, MO, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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