# NTSB FTW91LA091: Bell 47D-1, N8117, Peach Orchard, AR, June 5, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 5, 1991, 14:31 local (19:31 UTC)
- Place: Peach Orchard, AR
- Coordinates: 36.279319, -90.66053 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.2793&lon=-90.6605&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23339
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW91LA091
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23339/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91LA091

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE MAIN ROTOR RPM RESULTING IN DETERIORATED HELICOPTER PERFORMANCE.  A FACTOR WAS THE TAILWIND CONDITION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
  - weather condition - tailwind
  - aircraft performance,landing capability - deteriorated (cause)
  - adequate rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Hard landing, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS PRACTICING AGRICULTURAL LOW ALTITUDE FLIGHT MANEUVERS AND DESCENDED DOWNWIND WITH POWER TO A HARD LANDING.  THE HELICOPTER BOUNCED AND ROLLED OVER AFTER IMPACT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8117](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8117), registered now, S/N K732, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47D-1
- Registry model: [Bell 47D1](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47d1) (registry code 1180802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: K732
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-A1D reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Greg L. Wilkerson, doing business as Decade 90 Properties, Inc.
- Registered owner: Greg L. Wilkerson

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 4,000 total, 113 in this make and model, 113 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 20° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °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 19910605020209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910605020209A), Jun 5, 1991: Bell 47D1, Peach Orchard, AR, Substantial damage. Practicing aerial application with water made low level rudder turn to downwind and settled with power to impact.

## Other investigations on N8117 (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 MKC90LA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC90LA144), Jul 12, 1990: Bell 47D-1 (N8117), Fair Oaks, AR, substantial damage. Probable cause: TAIL ROTOR CABLE DISENGAGEMENT DUE TO INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE.
- [NTSB MKC70DCA14](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC70DCA14), Jun 7, 1970: Bell 47D1 (N8117), Perry, MO, 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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