# NTSB FTW93LA139: Bell-K Copter 47G-2, N7766, Walnut Ridge, AR, April 28, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 28, 1993, 07:45 local (12:45 UTC)
- Place: Walnut Ridge, AR
- Coordinates: 36.059391, -90.950744 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.0594&lon=-90.9507&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 25, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18735
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW93LA139
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18735/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW93LA139

## Probable cause

WAS THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE OF WIRES. A FACTOR WAS THE UNSUITABLE TERRAIN

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - aerial application
  - object - wire,transmission
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
- Roll over, landing
  - terrain condition - soft
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING AGRICULTURE SPRAYING OPERATIONS THE HELICOPTER STRUCK A SET OF ELECTRICAL POWER LINES WITH THE TAILBOOM. THE WIRES CUT THROUGH THE SKIN AND CONTACTED THE TAILROTOR DRIVE SHAFT AND DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WAS LOST. IN AN ATTEMPT TO REGAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL THE PILOT REDUCED POWER BY ROLLING OFF THE THROTTLE. TOUCHDOWN WAS MADE TO A FRESHLY PLOWED FIELD AND THE HELICOPTER ROLLED ONTO ITS RIGHT SIDE. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE SAW THE WIRES JUST PRIOR TO CONTACT; HOWEVER, HE COULD NOT AVOID THEM

## Factual narrative

On April 28, 1993, at approximately 0745 central daylight time (CDT), a Bell K Copter 47G 2, N7766, was substantially damaged while maneuvering near Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. The commercial pilot was not injured. Weather for their aerial application flight was visual meteorological conditions.

The pilot reported, in an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration inspector and in two written statements, that while he was maneuvering the tailboom struck an electrical power line. After the initial contact the wires cut through the skin and contacted the tailrotor drive shaft, resulting in a loss of directional control. Following the loss of directional control the pilot reported that the helicopter began to spin, so he rolled of the throttle. As partial control was regained the helicopter descended uncontrollably to the ground. On ground impact with the freshly plowed field the helicopter rolled onto its side.

The helicopter was released to the owner.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7766](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7766-2018-05-31), registration cancelled 2018-05-31, S/N K-9123, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Bell-K Copter 47G-2
- Registry model: [Bell-K-Copter 47G-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-k-copter-47g-2) (registry code 1181066) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-435](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-435) (registry code 41516, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: K-9123
- Airframe hours: 1455
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-23CR 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Arnold, Don
- Registered owner: Arnold, Don
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 13, 1993, 31 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 846 total, 33 in this make and model, 801 as pilot in command, 39 in the last 90 days, 33 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 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 19930428010959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930428010959A), Apr 28, 1993: Bell 47G2, Walnut Ridge, AR, Substantial damage. Tail rotor struck powerline during spray turn. Began spin. Set down and rolled over.

## Other investigations on N7766 (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 FTW70FPG05](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW70FPG05), Feb 4, 1970: Bell 47G-2 (N7766), Sherwood, AR, 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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