# NTSB LAX01LA276: Bell 47G-4A, N4262Y, Strathmore, CA, August 11, 2001 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 11, 2001, 06:03 local (13:03 UTC) - Place: Strathmore, CA - Coordinates: 36.1525, -119.183609 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.1525&lon=-119.1836&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report October 23, 2002 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA Flight Standards District Office - NTSB case key (mKey): 53014 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX01LA276 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/53014/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01LA276 ## Probable cause The pilot's inadequate visual lookout while maneuvering during an aerial application flight. ## 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 - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis During the aerial application flight, the pilot completed a spray run and was returning to the truck when he flew into a wire in the middle of the field, at 15 feet above the ground. Thereafter, he lost control of the helicopter and it crashed coming to rest on its right side. Prior to the mishap, the pilot had observed poles in the area, but had not observed the line that he collided with during the low altitude pass. No mechanical malfunctions or failures associated with the operation of the helicopter were indicated. ## Factual narrative On August 11, 2001, about 0603 hours Pacific daylight time, a Bell 47G-4A, N4262Y, owned and operated by Moore Aviation, Inc., Tulare, California, impacted a power line and crashed into a field near Strathmore, California. Visual meteorological conditions existed during the aerial application flight that was performed under 14 CFR Part 137. The helicopter was destroyed, and the commercial pilot received minor injuries. The flight originated from Strathmore about 0555. The pilot reported that he had finished performing a spray run and was returning to the truck when he flew into a wire in the middle of the field, at 15 feet above the ground. Thereafter, he lost control of the helicopter and it crashed in the field coming to rest on its right side. The operator reported that prior to the mishap, the pilot had observed poles in the area but had not observed the line that he collided with during the low altitude pass. No mechanical malfunctions or failures associated with the operation of the helicopter were reported. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N4262Y](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4262Y), registered now, S/N 7674, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Bell 47G-4A - Registry model: [Bell 47G-4A](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-4a) (registry code 1181031) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-540-series) (registry code 41534, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 7674 - Airframe hours: 12037 - Engines: Lycoming VO540-BIB3 285 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Registered owner: Moore Aviation Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Last inspection: 100 hour, May 29, 2001, 91 hours before - Departed: Strathmore, CA - Destination: CA ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 66; injuries: minor; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review June 26, 2000; seat: left; flight hours: 12,620 total, 5,000 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 55 °F - Altimeter: 29.90 inHg - Observed at: VIS, 13 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 20010811020569A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20010811020569A), Aug 11, 2001: Bell 47G4A, Strathmore, CA, No damage. (-23) Approximately 06:30 the pilot arrived at the field in which he intended to do agricultural spraying. The pilot did two complete turns around this field… ## Other investigations on N4262Y (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 LAX83FA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83FA087), Feb 3, 1983: Bell 47G4 (N4262Y), Five Points, CA, destroyed 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.