# NTSB CHI86FER11: Bell 47G-5, N8122J, Brooten, MN, June 17, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: June 16, 1986, 19:00 local (Jun 17, 1986, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Brooten, MN
- Coordinates: 45.499191, -95.109275 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.4992&lon=-95.1093&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13327
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI86FER11
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13327/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86FER11

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - rotorcraft flight control,collective control rod - failure,total (cause)
  - rotorcraft flight control,collective control rod - overload (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - aerial application

## Analysis

ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, THE HELICOPTER COLLECTIVE CONTROL FAILED TO RESPOND TO A CLIMB INPUT TO LEVEL OFF AFTER A DESCENT FOR AN AGRICULTURAL SWATH RUN. FIRE AND IMPACT DAMAGE TO THE HELICOPTER WAS EXTENSIVE, HOWEVER ONE BROKEN ROD END IN THE COLLECTIVE CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED THROUGH DUCTILE OVERSTRESS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8122J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8122J-2013-09-17), registration cancelled 2013-09-17, S/N 25005, built 1970 (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: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 25005
- Airframe hours: 4652
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-B1A 270 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Dennis Claire
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, January 16, 1986, 43 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 4,600 total, 1,200 in this make and model, 4,000 as pilot in command, 45 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 10 knots, gusting 25
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19860616025279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860616025279A), Jun 16, 1986: Bell 47G5, Brooten, MN, Destroyed. Spray boom contacted crops during dusting operation. Helicopter rolled into the ground and caught fire.

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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