# NTSB CHI93LA305: Bell 47G-3B, N8480E, Clarinda, IA, July 31, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 31, 1993, 17:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Clarinda, IA
- Coordinates: 40.730812, -95.030158 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.7308&lon=-95.0302&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 19, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15767
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI93LA305
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15767/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI93LA305

## Probable cause

THE COMMERCIAL PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE FROM OBSTACLES DURING AERIAL APPLICATION MANEUVERS.

## 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
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command
  - object - wire,transmission
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE COMMERCIAL PILOT WAS ENGAGED IN AERIAL APPLICATION MANEUVERS OVER FLAT TERRAIN.  HE REPORTED HE ASSESSED THE FIELD TO LOCATE OBSTACLES, THEN MADE THE FIRST SPRAY RUN FROM EAST TO WEST.  AS THE HELICOPTER APPROACHED THE EAST END OF THE FIELD AT THE END OF THE SECOND SPRAY RUN, THE PILOT '...WAS AGAIN VERIFYING THE EXISTANCE AND LOCATION OF POWER POLES AND LOOKING FOR POWER LINES.  DURING CLIMBOUT ON EAST END OF FIELD POWER LINES WERE IMPACTED BY SKIDS... .'  THE HELICOPTER CAME TO REST INVERTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8480E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8480E-2013-05-14), registration cancelled 2013-05-14, S/N 2651, built 1961 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-3B
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-3B](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-3b) (registry code 1181026) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TVO-435-GIA](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-tvo-435-gia) (registry code 41526, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 2651
- Airframe hours: 1937
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-A1F 265 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Ambrose, Walter J. Jr.
- Registered owner: Ambrose, Walter J. Jr.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 17, 1993, 37 hours before
- Departed: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,800 total, 2,500 as pilot in command, 37 in the last 90 days, 27 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °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 19930731027219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930731027219A), Jul 31, 1993: Bell 47G3B, Clarinda, IA, Destroyed. Aircraft skids struck the powerlines while maneuvering for spray run. Helicopter impacted terrain. Became inverted.

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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