# NTSB FTW92DPG15: Bell-Transworld 47G-2, N9238Z, Birdeye, AR, August 19, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: August 19, 1992, 10:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Birdeye, AR
- Coordinates: 35.399875, -90.989334 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.3999&lon=-90.9893&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 29, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18316
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW92DPG15
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18316/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92DPG15

## Probable cause

FUEL CONTAMINATION. A FACTOR WAS THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - contamination (cause)
  - refueling - improper, ground personnel
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - flare - excessive, pilot in command

## Analysis

AN AGRICULTURAL SPRAYING HELICOPTER WAS EN ROUTE TO THE LOADING POINT WHEN THE ENGINE LOST POWER DUE TO FUEL CONTAMINATION. DURING THE LANDING FLARE FOLLOWING THE AUTOROTATIVE DESCENT, THE HELICOPTER EXPERIENCED A HARD LANDING, BENDING THE SKID TUBES AND SUSTAINING A TAIL ROTOR STRIKE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9238Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9238Z-2018-03-07), registration cancelled 2018-03-07, S/N TWH-5, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Bell-Transworld 47G-2
- Registry model: [Bell-Transworld Helicopter Cor 47G-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-transworld-helicopter-cor-47g-2) (registry code 1181071) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: TWH-5
- Airframe hours: 1661
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-25A 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Taylor Aviation
- Registered owner: Taylor Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 3, 1992, 297 hours before
- Departed: NONE
- Destination: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 4,000 total, 1,600 in this make and model, 4,000 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: JBR, 31 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 19920819032109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920819032109A), Aug 19, 1992: Bell 47G2, Birdeye, AR, Substantial damage. Engine lost power. Too low for full autorotation. Landed hard. Owner stocks diesel fuel. Oily substance in fuel.

## Other investigations on N9238Z (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 FTW93LA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW93LA178), Jun 5, 1993: Bell-Transworld 47G-2 (N9238Z), Wynne, AR, substantial damage. Probable cause: PARTIAL POWER LOSS DUE TO THE FAILURE OF ONE MAGNETO. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.
- [NTSB CHI76FEA35](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI76FEA35), May 22, 1976: Bell 47G-2 (N9238Z), Monticello, IN, 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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