# NTSB CHI93LA179: Bell 47, N8458E, Berlin, WI, May 21, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 21, 1993, 17:50 local (22:50 UTC)
- Place: Berlin, WI
- Coordinates: 43.970493, -88.949684 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.9705&lon=-88.9497&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report February 18, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15722
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI93LA179
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15722/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI93LA179

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO SEE THE OBSTRUCTION.

## 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 - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - aerial application

## Analysis

APPROACHING AN IRRIGATION PUMP, THE PILOT SHUT OFF THE SPRAY AND INITIATED A CLIMB OVER THE PUMP. THE HELICOPTER CLEARED THE PUMP BUT STRUCK A 2-IN SQUARE STEEL CHANNEL THAT EXTENDED ABOVE THE PUMP. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE DID NOT SEE THE CHANNEL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8458E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8458E-2017-10-20), registration cancelled 2017-10-20, S/N 2662, built 1961 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-2A](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-2a) (registry code 1181012) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 2662
- Airframe hours: 11441
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Roy W. Reabe, doing business as Reabe Spraying Service, Inc.
- Registered owner: Roy W. Reabe
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, December 1, 1992, 10 hours before
- Departed: 45C
- Flight plan: Company VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 6,380 total, 3,575 in this make and model, 6,235 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 260° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: OSH, 18 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 19930521014719A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930521014719A), May 21, 1993: Bell 47G2A, Berlin, WI, Destroyed. Pilot hit an eight foot pole during a swath run of an aerial application. Impacted the ground.

## Other investigations on N8458E (2)

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 NYC66A0153](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC66A0153), Jun 19, 1966: Bell 47G-2A (N8458E), Cranbury, NJ, substantial damage
- [NTSB UNK65X0382](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/UNK65X0382), Oct 22, 1964: Bell 47G2A (N8458E), Battle Creek, MI, destroyed

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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