# NTSB FTW91DPG12: Bell 47-G3B1, N31052, Colt, AR, June 1, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: May 31, 1991, 20:00 local (Jun 1, 1991, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: Colt, AR
- Coordinates: 35.129707, -90.810928 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.1297&lon=-90.8109&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 3, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23201
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW91DPG12
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23201/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91DPG12

## Probable cause

LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON. A FACTOR WAS THE UNSUITABLE TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, maneuvering - aerial application
  - powerplant - undetermined (contributing factor)
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - aerial application
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - berm
  - landing gear,skid assembly - sheared
  - rotorcraft flight control,tail rotor cable - separation

## Analysis

DURING A DAY AGRICULTURE OPERATION, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER IN A DESCENDING TURN. THE RIGHT SKID SHEARED WHEN IT STRUCK A BERM AND THE TAIL ROTOR CABLE SEPARATED. THE PILOT LOST CONTROL AND THE HELICOPTER ROLLED ON ITS RIGHT SIDE. THE HELICOPTER WAS CONSUMED BY A POST CRASH FIRE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N31052](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N31052), registered now, S/N 2934, built 1964 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47-G3B1
- Registry model: [Bell-Intermountain 47G-3B-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-intermountain-47g-3b-1) (registry code 1181027) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming GO-480 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-go-480-series) (registry code 41527, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 2934
- Engines: LYCOMING TVO-435-D1B 270 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Wilburn W. Taylor, doing business as Taylor Aviation, Inc.
- Registered owner: Wilburn W. Taylor
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 1, 1991, 100 hours before
- Departed: NONE, COLT, AR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 4,000 total, 1,500 in this make and model, 200 in the last 90 days, 60 in the last 30 days, 12 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19910531018589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910531018589A), May 31, 1991: Bell 47G3B1, Colt, AR, Destroyed. Skid caught a levee on spray run. Helicopter rolled several times and burned. Blamed power loss. Unconfirmed.

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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