# NTSB ATL90DKJ02: Bell 47G2, N9025, Wettumpka, AL, October 27, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: October 27, 1989, 16:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Wettumpka, AL
- Coordinates: 32.529235, -86.310852 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.5292&lon=-86.3109&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 26, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8085
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL90DKJ02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8085/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL90DKJ02

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO AVOID OBSTACLES DURING AERIAL APPLICATION MANEUVERING.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - object - tree(s)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

IN HIS REPORT OF THE ACCIDENT THE PILOT STATED THAT THE TAIL OF THE HELICOPTER STRUCK A TREE DURING A TURN WHILE CONDUCTING SPRAYING OPERATIONS. THE HELICOPTER ROLLED ONTO ITS LEFT SIDE WITH THE ENGINE STILL OPERATING. A GRASS FIRE ERUPTED WHICH RESULTED IN THE DESTRUCTION OF THE HELICOPTER. THE PILOT RECOMMENDED THAT HE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN IN TOO BIG OF A HURRY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9025](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9025), registered now, S/N 2292, built 1958 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G2
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-2) (registry code 1181008) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 2292
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435 240 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Roy L. Morris
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, November 1, 1988, 50 hours before
- Departed: ELMORE, AL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 59; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 14,000 as pilot in command, 200 in the last 90 days, 50 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 100° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MGM, 15 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 19891027043779A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891027043779A), Oct 27, 1989: Bell 47G2, Wetumpka, AL, Destroyed. Tail rotor struck a tree while turning end of spray run. Helicopter crashed and burned.

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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