# NTSB FTW99LA255: Bell OH-58A, N523SP, Ratcliff, TX, September 26, 1999

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 26, 1999, 07:50 local (12:50 UTC)
- Place: Ratcliff, TX
- Coordinates: 31.390628, -95.130378 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.3906&lon=-95.1304&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 30, 2000
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 47431
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW99LA255
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/47431/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW99LA255

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the tree while maneuvering during an aerial application flight.  Factors were the sunglare, and the pilot's diverted attention while adjusting the GPS receiver.

## 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 - tree(s)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

The helicopter contacted a tree during an aerial application flight.  According to the pilot he was turning from the south toward the east when he became distracted due to the 'sun, and making an input into the GPS receiver.' Subsequently, the tailrotor blades contacted a tree, the helicopter impacted the ground, and the tailboom separated.

## Factual narrative

On September 26, 1999, at 0750 central daylight time, a Bell OH-58A agricultural helicopter, N523SP, was substantially damaged when it contacted a tree while maneuvering near Ratcliff, Texas.  The helicopter was registered to and operated by Northstar Helicopters Inc., of Jasper, Texas.  The instrument rated commercial pilot, sole occupant of the helicopter, was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight and no flight plan was filed.  The flight originated from Jasper, Texas, at 0700.

According to the operator, the purpose of the flight was to apply arsenol to pine trees.  The pilot reported during a telephone interview, that he was maneuvering during the fourth spray run of the morning and was turning the helicopter from the south toward the east when he became distracted due to the "sun, and making an input into the GPS receiver."  Subsequently, the tailrotor blades of the helicopter contacted trees, and the helicopter impacted the ground.  The operator reported that the tailboom separated from the airframe.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N523SP (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: Bell OH-58A
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 72-214415
- Airframe hours: 8534
- Engines: Allison C-20B 420 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Northstar Helicopters Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, September 16, 1999, 37 hours before
- Departed: NONE, JASPER, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 12,700 total, 700 in this make and model, 300 in the last 90 days, 150 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 140° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: LFK, 40 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 19990926030579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990926030579A), Sep 26, 1999: Bell OH58A, Ratcliff, TX, Substantial damage. (.19) On September 26, 1999, at 0740 central daylight time, a Bell OH-58A agricultural helicopter, N523SP, was substantially damaged when it impacted a tree…

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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