# NTSB FTW87DPJ09: G&C Helicopters EL Tomcat MK5A, N17315, Marlow, OK, September 23, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: September 23, 1987, 13:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Marlow, OK
- Coordinates: 34.630268, -97.959983 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.6303&lon=-97.9600&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report August 31, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22181
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW87DPJ09
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22181/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW87DPJ09

## 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
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

PILOT FAILED TO SEE AND AVOID TREE AT END OF SWATH RUN DURING A SPRAYING OPERATION. AFTER CONTACTING THE TREE, THE HELICOPTER STARTED TO SPIN AND STRUCK THE GROUND IN AN APPROXIMATE 90 DEGREE RIGHT BANK AND STARTED TO BURN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N17315](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N17315-2013-01-31), registration cancelled 2013-01-31, S/N W-3, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: G&C Helicopters EL TOMCAT MK5A (EL TOMCAT)
- Registry model: [Continental-G&C Helicopters EL TOMCAT MK-5A](https://openairdocs.org/model/continental-g-c-helicopters-el-tomcat-mk-5a) (registry code 2390303) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: W-3
- Airframe hours: 2460
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-A1E 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: G & C Helicopters,Inc.
- Registered owner: G And C Helicopter, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, January 23, 1987, 60 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 670 total, 20 in this make and model, 520 as pilot in command, 25 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FSI, 12 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 19870923055909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870923055909A), Sep 23, 1987: Bell STC47, Marlow, OK, Substantial damage. The agricultural spray helicopter hit a tree and rolled into the ground.

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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