# NTSB CHI82DA196: Bell 47D1, N4251A, Le Sueur, MN, May 29, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: May 29, 1982, 09:00 local (13:00 UTC)
- Place: Le Sueur, MN
- Coordinates: 44.459529, -93.899597 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.4595&lon=-93.8996&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 29, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71397
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI82DA196
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71397/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI82DA196

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering - aerial application
  - fluid,fuel - water (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
  - load jettison - performed, pilot in command
- Other gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING A SPRAYING OPERATION, THE AIRCRAFT WAS BEING REFUELED FROM A 200 GAL FUEL TANK, MOUNTED ON THE REAR OF A TRUCK. THE TRUCK WAS PARKED ON A SLIGHT SLOPE WITH THE OUTLET FOR THE SERVICING HOSE AT THE LOWER END. AFTER THE HELICOPTER WAS SERVICED WITH 14 GALLONS OF FUEL, THE PILOT SPRAYED A 4 ACRE FIELD AND BEGAN SPRAYING A 47 ACRE FIELD. WHILE IN A SWATH RUN AT 4 TO 6 FT AGL, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PILOT DUMPED HIS LOAD AND LANDED STRAIGHT AHEAD. THE HELICOPTER TURNED ABOUT 180 DEGREES WHILE SLIDING TO A STOP. DURING THIS TIME, THE SKIDS BUCKLED AND THE MAIN ROTOR, TAIL BOOM, AND CANOPY BUBBLE WERE DAMAGED. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, WATER WAS FOUND IN THE CARBURETOR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4251A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4251A-2013-08-09), registration cancelled 2013-08-09, S/N 110, built 1960 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47D1
- Registry model: [Bell 47D1](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47d1) (registry code 1180802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6V4 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6v4-series) (registry code 27033, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 110
- Airframe hours: 4402
- Engines: FRANKLIN O-335-5D 225 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Tery Jon Aviation
- Registered owner: John Holmberg
- Departed: LE SUEUR, MN
- Destination: LE SUEUR, MN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 349 total, 285 in this make and model, 246 as pilot in command, 46 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 110° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles

## 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 19820529020149A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820529020149A), May 29, 1982: Bell 47D1, Lesueur, MN, Substantial damage. Engine quit during spraying operation, crash occurred during attempted landing. Water in fuel system.

## Other investigations on N4251A (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 WPR12LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA029), Nov 8, 2011: Bell 47D1 (N4251A), San Diego, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the student pilot during a simulated autorotation and the pilots’ failure to use carburetor heat while operating at reduced engine power while in…

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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