# NTSB FTW91LA166: Bell 47G-5A, N59424, Pearsall, TX, September 26, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 26, 1991, 16:20 local (21:20 UTC)
- Place: Pearsall, TX
- Coordinates: 28.879762, -99.089515 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.8798&lon=-99.0895&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23402
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW91LA166
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23402/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91LA166

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT FOR OBSTACLES DURING OPERATIONS FROM A REMOTE SITE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - wire,transmission
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

PILOT WAS ON A POWER LINE PATROL FLIGHT AND HAD LANDED IN AN AREA NEAR A ROAD TO REFUEL FROM THE OPERATOR'S TRUCK PRIOR TO THE LAST LEG OF THE DAY.  DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB AFTER TAKEOFF, THE SKIDS STRUCK POWER LINES HE HAD NOT OBSERVED DURING THE APPROACH OR TAKEOFF. FOLLOWING THE WIRE STRIKE THE AIRCRAFT NOSED OVER, IMPACTED THE GROUND, AND WAS DESTROYED DURING A POST-CRASH FIRE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N59424](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N59424-2014-10-29), registration cancelled 2014-10-29, S/N 25143, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-5A
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-5A](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-5a) (registry code 1181034) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 25143
- Airframe hours: 5957
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-B1A 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial observation, Part 91
- Operator: Tiller Helicopter Service, Inc
- Registered owner: Tiller Helicopter Service, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 23, 1991, 78 hours before
- Destination: NONE, ALICE, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 1,119 total, 50 in this make and model, 1,057 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days, 50 in the last 30 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 335° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °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 19910926063239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910926063239A), Sep 26, 1991: Bell 47G5A, Pearsall, TX, Destroyed. Powerline patrol helicopter struck wires on takeoff and crashed on a highway. Pilot did not see wires.

## Other investigations on N59424 (1)

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 MIA85FA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA85FA016), Oct 22, 1984: Bell 47G-5A (N59424), Belle Glade, FL, 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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