# NTSB LAX91LA013: Bell 47G5, N2294W, Antarctica, October 22, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 22, 1990, 12:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Antarctica
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report December 30, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27045
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA013
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27045/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA013

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ON ADEQUATE ALTITUDE WHILE MANEUVERING ABOVE THE WATER.

## Sequence of events

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

- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, maneuvering
  - terrain condition - water,rough (contributing factor)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF A BELL 47G5 HELICOPTER WAS OPERATING FROM A SHIP AT SEA FOR THE PURPOSE OF FISH SPOTTING AND HERDING. THE HELICOPTER WAS IN THE PROCESS OF HERDING FISH INTO THE DEPLOYED NET WHEN A ROTOR STRUCK A SWELL. THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH THE WATER, ROLLED INVERTED, AND SANK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2294W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2294W-2015-04-24), registration cancelled 2015-04-24, S/N 7969, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G5
- 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: 7969
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-B1A 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial observation, Part 91
- Operator: Larry Z. Fishing Co. Inc.
- Registered owner: Larry Z Fishing Co., Inc
- Departed: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; commercial; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,700 total, 180 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F

## Other investigations on N2294W (4)

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 LAX81DUK02](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX81DUK02), Sep 4, 1981: Bell 47G-5 (N2294W), Yuma, AZ, substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX74DUJ49](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX74DUJ49), Apr 6, 1974: Bell 47G-5 (N2294W), Yuma, AZ, substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX74DUJ05](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX74DUJ05), Jul 27, 1973: Bell 47G-5 (N2294W), Yuma, AZ, substantial damage
- [NTSB OAK71AP032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK71AP032), Feb 11, 1971: Bell 47G-5 (N2294W), S.Francisco, CA, destroyed, 1 fatal

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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