# NTSB LAX86FUM01: Bell 47 G-5, N7907S, Yuma, AZ, October 22, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: October 22, 1985, 00:32 local (07:32 UTC)
- Place: Yuma, AZ
- Coordinates: 32.680301, -114.660705 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.6803&lon=-114.6607&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24954
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86FUM01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24954/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86FUM01

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, hover
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS HOVERING AFTER A NIGHT TAKEOFF AND COLLIDED WITH AN ELECTRICAL POWER LINE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7907S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7907S-2012-07-19), registration cancelled 2012-07-19, S/N 7845, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47 G-5
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-5](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-5) (registry code 1181032) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 7845
- Airframe hours: 2100
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-B1A 245 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Positioning, Part 91
- Registered owner: Yuma Helicopter
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: 100 hour, March 14, 1985, 68 hours before
- Departed: YUMA, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 14,700 total, 300 in this make and model, 8,900 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 30 days, 8 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 330° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 20,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: YUM, 6 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 19851022063779A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851022063779A), Oct 22, 1985: Bell 47G5, Yuma, AZ, Destroyed. Collided with powerlines while hovering over farm field at night. Transporting company employee.

## Other investigations on N7907S (3)

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 LAX80FUJ83](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX80FUJ83), Jul 25, 1980: Bell 47G-5 (N7907S), Sommerton, AZ, substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX79DUJ18](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX79DUJ18), Nov 16, 1978: Bell 47G-5 (N7907S), Yuma, AZ, substantial damage
- [NTSB DEN68D0026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN68D0026-110294), Jun 14, 1968: Bell 47G-5 (N7907S), Ogden, UT, 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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