# NTSB LAX83LA112: Bell 47G3B-2, N88CP, Merced, CA, February 21, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 20, 1983, 16:55 local (Feb 21, 1983, 00:55 UTC)
- Place: Merced, CA
- Location: 37.3114° N, 120.4704° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Merced, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.3114&lon=-120.4704&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23623
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83LA112
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23623/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83LA112

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE ENG LOST POWER AT ABOUT 20 FT AGL FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N88CP (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G3B-2
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 6705
- Airframe hours: 3440
- Engines: LYCOMING TVO-435-61A 280 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Ag Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Unknown, April 23, 1982, 94 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 12,000 total, 550 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °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 19830220005949A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830220005949A), Feb 20, 1983: Bell 47G3B2, Merced, CA, Substantial damage. Operator reported engine failed on a spray run. Hard forced landing damaged helicopter. Cause undertermined.

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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