# NTSB LAX90LA042: Bell 47G-II, N2899B, Rialto, CA, December 2, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 2, 1989, 08:45 local (16:45 UTC)
- Place: Rialto, CA
- Coordinates: 34.16072, -117.390319 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.1607&lon=-117.3903&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 22, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26694
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA042
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26694/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA042

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND SUBSEQUENT OVERCONTROL WHILE HOVERING. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE GUSTY WIND CONDITIONS AND THE PILOT'S INEXPERIENCE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, hover
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, hover

## Analysis

THE PILOT LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WHILE PRACTICING HOVERS NEAR THE GROUND. WINDS WERE 10 KTS GUSTING 20. THE PILOT STATED SHE ENCOUNTERED TURBULENCE DURING A HOVER TURN AND OVERCONTROLLED. THE TAIL BOOM STRUCK THE GROUND, THE CANOPY DISINTEGRATED, AND THE HELICOPTER ENDED UP ON ITS SIDE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2899B](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2899B), registered now, S/N 1999 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-II
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-2) (registry code 1181008) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1999
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-A1F 270 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Calif. Amer. Research Info.
- Airport: L67, Rialto

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 188 total, 80 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dawn
- Wind: 360° at 10 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point -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 19891202048799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891202048799A), Dec 2, 1989: Bell 47G2, Rialto, CA, Destroyed. Took off to a hover in gusty surface wind. Drifted in turbulence, lost control and crashed.

## Other investigations on N2899B (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 LAX85LA344](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA344), Aug 12, 1985: Bell 47G-2 (N2899B), Big Bear City, CA, substantial damage
- [NTSB SEA74DYG49](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA74DYG49), Jun 24, 1974: Bell 47G-2 (N2899B), Ephrata, WA, substantial damage
- [NTSB SEA70DWD05](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA70DWD05), Feb 25, 1970: Bell 47G-2 (N2899B), Rochester, WA, 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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