# NTSB LAX84LA501: Bell 47G-2, N28895, Borrego Springs, CA, September 29, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 29, 1984, 14:15 local (21:15 UTC)
- Place: Borrego Springs, CA
- Coordinates: 33.16957, -116.27021 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.1696&lon=-116.2702&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24416
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84LA501
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24416/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA501

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, taxi - aerial
  - object - airport facility (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AFTER LANDING, THE PLT HOVER TAXIED TO THE FUEL PUMPS TO REFUEL. WHILE MANEUVERING TO TOUCH DOWN AT THE PUMPS, THE MAIN ROTOR BLADE STRUCK A 10 TO 12 FT HIGH VENT PIPE. THE PLT REPORTED THAT THE VENT PIPES WERE PAINTED BLACK & WERE NOT READILY APPARENT WITH LOW TREES IN THE BACKGROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N28895](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N28895), registered now, S/N 58-5364, built 1958 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-2
- Registry model: [Bell H-13H](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-h-13h) (registry code 1181010) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 58-5364
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-A1 240 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Golden State Helicopters
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: CNO, CHINO, CA
- Destination: L08, BORREGO SPRINGS, CA
- Airport: L08, Borrego Valley

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; student; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 65 total, 46 in this make and model, 46 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 100 °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 19840929052459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840929052459A), Sep 29, 1984: Bell H13H, Borrego Springs, CA, Substantial damage. Hit fuel vent pipes while maneuvering near fuel pumps. Pilot states obstruction not marked.

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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