# NTSB LAX00LA124: Bell 47G, N9763Z, Vacaville, CA, March 12, 2000

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 12, 2000, 15:38 local (23:38 UTC)
- Place: Vacaville, CA
- Coordinates: 38.410614, -122.010536 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.4106&lon=-122.0105&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 17, 2001
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 48807
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX00LA124
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/48807/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00LA124

## Probable cause

Failure of the pilot to see wires and maintain clearance while flying at a low altitude.

## 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
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - low, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

The pilot was flying low while applying chemicals to a field.  He completed spraying approximately half of the field, when he collided with wires that he did not see.  He extricated himself from the helicopter, which subsequently caught fire.

## Factual narrative

On March 12, 2000, about 1538 hours Pacific standard time, a Bell 47G, N9763Z, sustained substantial damage after colliding with wires while maneuvering on an aerial application flight near Vacaville, California.  North Coast Helicopters, Inc., operated the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 137.  The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries.  The helicopter was transported to the job site on a trailer and departed to dispense chemicals about 10 minutes prior to the mishap.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.

The pilot stated he was at a low altitude and completed spraying approximately half of the field.  He did not  see the wires prior to impact.  He extricated himself from the helicopter, which subsequently caught fire.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9763Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9763Z-2013-08-21), registration cancelled 2013-08-21, S/N 29 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Bell 47G
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-2) (registry code 1181008) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 29
- Airframe hours: 9084
- Engines: Lycoming VO-435-A1F 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: North Coast Helicopters
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, September 19, 1999, 36 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial, private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 3,450 total, 2,840 in this make and model, 3,313 as pilot in command, 100 in the last 90 days, 50 in the last 30 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: VCB, 10 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 20000312006479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20000312006479A), Mar 12, 2000: Bell 47G2, Vacaville, CA, No damage. (.23) During aerial application activity heli struck powerline wires in field and crashed. After striking the ground a fire ensued causing substantial damage…

## Other investigations on N9763Z (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 LAX81FUQ25](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX81FUQ25), Jul 5, 1981: Bell 47G-2 (N9763Z), Agua Dulce, CA, substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX78FUA09](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX78FUA09), Jan 20, 1978: Bell 47G-2 (N9763Z), San Pedro, CA, 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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