# NTSB CHI06CA242: Bell 47G-5, N2251W, Sanborn, ND, August 23, 2006

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: August 23, 2006, 08:35 local (13:35 UTC)
- Place: Sanborn, ND
- Coordinates: 46.940036, -98.220619 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.9400&lon=-98.2206&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 29, 2006
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 64529
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI06CA242
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/64529/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06CA242

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines during the aerial application flight.  The power lines were a factor.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - aerial application
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - aerial application
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

The helicopter impacted power lines and the ground during an aerial application flight.  The pilot reported that he was spraying ditches and his attention was diverted momentarily to the brush that he was spraying.  He stated that he was complacent with regard to the wires at the roadside and that when he saw them he lowered the collective in an attempt to fly beneath the wires.  He stated that the helicopter struck the power lines and then subsequently hit the ground.

## Factual narrative

The helicopter impacted power lines and the ground during an aerial application flight.  The pilot reported that he was spraying ditches and his attention was diverted momentarily to the brush that he was spraying.  He stated that he was complacent with regard to the wires at the roadside and that when he saw them he lowered the collective in an attempt to fly beneath the wires.  He stated that the helicopter struck the power lines and then subsequently hit the ground.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2251W](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2251W), registered now, S/N 7965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Bell 47G-5
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-5](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-5) (registry code 1181032) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Allison 250 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/allison-250-series) (registry code 03014, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 7965
- Engines: Allison C18 250 317 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Larson Helicopters
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special); Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 2006
- Departed: Sanborn, ND

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; injuries: none; commercial, private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; last flight review July 1, 2006; flight hours: 4,100 total, 3,000 in this make and model, 4,000 as pilot in command, 200 in the last 90 days, 110 in the last 30 days, 10 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day

## Other investigations on N2251W (1)

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 MKC74FCA12](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC74FCA12-201604), Oct 22, 1973: Bell 47G-5 (N2251W), Creve Coeur, 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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