# NTSB LAX83LA022: Bell UH-1B, N15FC, Delano, CA, October 28, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 28, 1982, 16:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Delano, CA
- Location: 35.7664° N, 119.2642° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Delano, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.7664&lon=-119.2642&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 28, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70445
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83LA022
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70445/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83LA022

## 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
  - rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS MAKING A HELICOPTER SPRAY RUN AND DECENDED INTO TREES ON TH IRST PASS AFTER RELOADING. HE GOT A LOW RPM LIGHT IN A REDUCED POWER SITUATION. NO MALFUNCTIONS WERE FOUND. THE PILOT HAD MADE 34 SIMILIAR OPERATIONS DURING THIS SCHEDULE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N15FC](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N15FC-2012-08-01), registration cancelled 2012-08-01, S/N 61-0778, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL UH-1B
- Registry model: [Bell UH-1B](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-uh-1b) (registry code 1181410) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming T-53 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-t-53-series) (registry code 41552, turbo-shaft) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 358
- Airframe hours: 2965
- Engines: LYCOMING T53L11D 1100 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: San Joaquin Helicopters
- Registered owner: San Joaquin Helicopters
- Departed: DLO, DELANO, CA
- Destination: DLO, DELANO, CA
- Flight plan: Unknown

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 5,446 total, 3,000 in this make and model, 4,993 as pilot in command, 191 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 135 °F

## 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 19821028055899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821028055899A), Oct 28, 1982: Bell UH1B, Delano, CA, Destroyed. RPM decay on spray run. Struck trees on pull up for forced landing. Engine running after impact. No defects found.

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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