# NTSB LAX90DVM01: Bell 47G-5, N4798R, Guadalupe, CA, November 1, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: November 1, 1989, 08:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Guadalupe, CA
- Coordinates: 35.050151, -120.479217 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.0502&lon=-120.4792&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 22, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26585
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90DVM01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26585/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90DVM01

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT CLEARANCE ALLOWING THE AIRCRAFT TO COLLIDE WITH A WOODEN POWER POLE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE SUNGLARE WHICH INHIBITED THE PILOT'S VISION.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
  - object - pole (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF A HELICOPTER CROP DUSTER COLLIDED WITH A WOODEN POWER POLE DURING AERIAL APPLICATION IN VISUAL METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. THE PILOT WAS AWARE OF THE OBSTACLE BEFORE THE FLIGHT. THE PILOT WAS ON THE SIXTH SWATH RUN ON A SOUTHEASTERLY DIRECTION HEADING DIRECTLY INTO THE RISING SUN ON THE HORIZON. THE PILOT REPORTED NO MALFUNCTION WITH THE AIRCRAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4798R](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4798R), registered now, S/N 7925, built 1968 (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: 7925
- Airframe hours: 15216
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-B1A 265 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Mark & Tracy English
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, October 28, 1989, 3 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 6,800 total, 2,100 in this make and model, 30 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °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 19891101044159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891101044159A), Nov 1, 1989: Bell 47G5, Guadalupe, CA, Substantial damage. Struck a power pole and crashed during a spray run. Reported sun obscured vision. Pilot was soaked by toxic load.

## Other investigations on N4798R (2)

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 LAX92LA278](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA278), Jul 4, 1992: Bell 47G5 (N4798R), Mesa, AZ, destroyed. Probable cause: A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO UNKNOWN REASON (S). FACTORS IN THIS ACCIDENT WERE 1) LOW ALTITUDE WHEN THE PARTIAL LOSS OF POWER OCCURRED 2) LOW ROTOR RPM AS A RESULT OF THE LOSS OF POWER, AND…
- [NTSB LAX73FUD02](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX73FUD02), Jul 21, 1972: Bell 47G-5 (N4798R), Santa Mnica, CA, 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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