# NTSB FTW90DPJ05: Bell 47G-4A, N2238W, Bixby, OK, April 14, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: April 14, 1990, 13:15 local (18:15 UTC)
- Place: Bixby, OK
- Coordinates: 35.939201, -95.869087 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.9392&lon=-95.8691&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 21, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22954
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW90DPJ05
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22954/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW90DPJ05

## Probable cause

LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO UNDETERMINED MECHANICAL FAILURE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering - aerial application
  - misc rotorcraft - failure,partial (cause)
  - reason for occurrence undetermined
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - crop
  - terrain condition - ground
- Fire/explosion, other

## Analysis

AFTER THE AG PILOT FINISHED HIS LOAD, HE HEADED BACK TO THE TRUCK FOR HIS FINAL LOAD. AS HE PASSED UNDER A POWERLINE HE HEARD A LOUD BANG OR POP, AND THE HELICOPTER YAWED TO THE RIGHT. HE SAID HE HEARD THE WHEAT HITTING THE SKID BOOMS, AND THEN THE HELICOPTER IMPACTED HARD ON THE TOES OF THE SKIDS. HIS SEAT BELT FAILED AND HE WAS THROWN THROUGH THE FRONT OF THE HELICOPTER. HE SAID HE RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES. THE HELICOPTER WAS DEMOLISHED BY IMPACT AND POST-IMPACT FIRE. THE FAA INVESTIGATORS SAID THAT DUE TO THE DAMAE CAUSED BY THE IMPACT, DAMAGED CAUSED BY THE FIRE, AND DAMAGE CAUSED BY MOVEMENT OF THE WRECKAGE, THEY COULD NOT FIND A COMPONENT FAILURE THAT MIGHT HAVE CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. THE FIRST SKID MARKS STARTED UNDER THE POWERLINES, BUT THE POWER LINES WERE NOT DAMAGED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2238W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2238W-2012-08-30), registration cancelled 2012-08-30, S/N 7704, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-4A
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-4A](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-4a) (registry code 1181031) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-540-series) (registry code 41534, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 7704
- Airframe hours: 4406
- Engines: LYCOMING VO 540 220 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Cristopher Bailey
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 11, 1989, 231 hours before
- Departed: NONE, BIXBY, OK
- Destination: BIXBY, OK
- Airport: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,300 total, 1,400 in this make and model, 2,000 as pilot in command, 70 in the last 90 days, 50 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °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 19900414009099A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900414009099A), Apr 14, 1990: Bell 47G4A, Bixby, OK, Destroyed. Loud bang during a final spray run. Spray boom hit the wheat and helicopter crashed ejecting pilot. Cause unknown.

## Other investigations on N2238W (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 DEN87DTG02](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN87DTG02), Sep 8, 1987: Bell 47G-4A (N2238W), Minot, ND, substantial damage
- [NTSB NYC73FHM18](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC73FHM18), Dec 28, 1972: Bell 47G-4A (N2238W), Suffern, NY, 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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