# NTSB LAX89FA034: Bell 47G2, N5163B, Phoenix, AZ, November 3, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 3, 1988, 16:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Phoenix, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.59074, -112.100288 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.5907&lon=-112.1003&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report October 16, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26190
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89FA034
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26190/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89FA034

## Probable cause

LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL BY A UNQUALIFIED PERSON.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - aircraft handling - not possible, unqualified person (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - wire,static
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER HAD JUST HAD MAJOR MAINTENANCE AND THE MECHANIC WAS CONDUCTING ENGINE RUN-UPS. THE HELICOPTER INADVERTENTLY BECAME AIRBORNE AND ASCENDED TO 100 FT. THE HELICOPTER MADE TWO TURNS IN A SIDEWARD SKID AND DESCENDED TO TERRAIN IMPACT. THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH ELECTRICAL CABLES DURING THE DESCENT. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF A MECHANICAL FAILURE FOUND DURING THE INVESTIGATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N5163B (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G2
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1984
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-A1 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Pacific Aero Services
- Registered owner: Pacific Aero Services
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: right; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,000 total, 950 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: PHX

## 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 19881103049419A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881103049419A), Nov 3, 1988: Bell 47G2, Phoenix, AZ, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Mechanic inadvertently became airborne on engine runup. Circled in a skid, desended. Hit static cable and crashed.

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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