# NTSB LAX86LA231: Bell 47G-5, N7802S, Castaic, CA, February 27, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 27, 1986, 08:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Castaic, CA
- Location: 34.4774° N, 118.6327° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Castaic, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.4774&lon=-118.6327&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report March 10, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25168
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA231
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25168/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA231

## 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 (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual/aural detection, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH UNMARKED WIRES WHILE HEADING INTO SUN DURING SPRAYING OPERATION. PLT DOES NOT RECALL SEEING OR HITTING WIRES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7802S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7802S-2013-05-09), registration cancelled 2013-05-09, S/N 7856, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-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: 7856
- Airframe hours: 5822
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-B1A 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Aerohead Helicopters, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, September 10, 1985, 25 hours before
- Departed: CASTAIC, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 8,850 total, 1,500 in this make and model, 7,850 as pilot in command, 120 in the last 90 days, 40 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 3 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: VNY, 36 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 19860227025879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860227025879A), Feb 27, 1986: Bell 47G5, Castaic, CA, Destroyed. The helicopter struck powerlines during aerial application maneuvers. Aircraft was headed into the sun.

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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