# NTSB CHI83LA264: Bell 47-G3B, N8471E, Litchfield, MN, June 17, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 17, 1983, 10:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Litchfield, MN
- Location: 45.1220° N, 94.5259° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Litchfield, MN, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.1220&lon=-94.5259&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12217
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI83LA264
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12217/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI83LA264

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - crew/group coordination - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - crew/group coordination - inadequate, ground personnel (cause)
- Roll over, takeoff - initial climb

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER WHILE ATTEMPTING A TAKEOFF AFTER SERVICING FROM A TRUCK PLATFORM FOR A SPRAYING OPERATION. THE HOSE USED TO PUT THE CHEMICAL SPRAY INTO THE HOPPER WAS NOT REMOVED. WHEN TAKEOFF WAS ATTEMPTED THE ACFT WAS TETHERED TO THE GROUND RIG AND CONTINUED APPLICATION OF COLLECTIVE ROLLED THE HELICOPTER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8471E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8471E-1997-12-24), registration cancelled 1997-12-24, S/N 2654 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47-G3B
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-3B](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-3b) (registry code 1181026) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 2654
- Airframe hours: 3882
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Willmar Aerial Spraying
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, February 21, 1983
- Departed: NONE, LITCHFIELD, MN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 1,715 total, 1,353 in this make and model, 1,616 as pilot in command, 102 in the last 90 days, 16 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F

## 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 19830617025809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830617025809A), Jun 17, 1983: Bell 47G3B, Litchfield, MN, Substantial damage. Departed loading platform with a loading hose still attached. Caused tail rotor then main rotors to strike ground.

## Other investigations on N8471E (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 MKC89LA181](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89LA181), Aug 15, 1989: Bell 47G-B3 (N8471E), Waseca, MN, substantial damage. Probable cause: INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT BY THE PILOT WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO AN INADEQUATE SUPPLY OF FUEL. THE TAILWIND, HIGH OBSTRUCTION (POWER LINE), AND CROP (BEANS) WERE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.
- [NTSB MKC79FCD41](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC79FCD41), Sep 25, 1979: Bell 47G-3B (N8471E), Pierson, IA, substantial damage
- [NTSB DEN69D0071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN69D0071), Aug 4, 1968: Bell 47G3B1 (N8471E), Dubois, WY, substantial damage
- [NTSB DEN68A0008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN68A0008), Jul 27, 1967: Bell 47G3B1 (N8471E), Bondurant, WY, destroyed, 2 fatal
- [NTSB SEA67A0005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA67A0005), Jul 19, 1966: Bell 47G-3B (N8471E), Lakeview, OR, 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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