# NTSB LAX94LA208: Bell UH-1L, N204RW, Pleasant Grove, CA, May 2, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 2, 1994, 07:15 local (14:15 UTC)
- Place: Pleasant Grove, CA
- Coordinates: 38.830883, -121.500495 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.8309&lon=-121.5005&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 14, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28733
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX94LA208
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28733/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA208

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to see and avoid the power lines due to sun glare from the rising sun at dawn.

## 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
  - light condition - sunglare (cause)
  - visual lookout - restricted, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - soft

## Analysis

The pilot stated that he was spraying a rice field and flying into the early morning rising sun. He reported that he did not see the power lines or poles due to the sun glare. After the collision, the pilot noted some control difficulties and attempted a run-on landing. The helicopter skids dug into the soft soil and the helicopter nosed over.

## Factual narrative

On May 2, 1994, at 0715 Pacific daylight time, a Bell UH-1L helicopter, N204RW, collided with power lines while engaged in aerial application operations near Pleasant Grove, California.  The helicopter was owned and operated by Bob's Flying Service of Knights Landing, California, under the provisions of 14 CFR 137 of the Federal Aviation Regulations.  No flight plan was filed for the operation and visual meteorological conditions prevailed.  The helicopter was destroyed in the collision sequence.  The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.  The flight originated near the field to be sprayed about 0705 hours on the day of the accident.

The pilot stated that he was spraying a rice field and flying into the early morning rising sun.  He reported that he did not see the power lines or poles due to the sun glare.  After the collision, the pilot noted some control difficulties and attempted a run-on landing.  The helicopter skids dug into the soft soil and the helicopter nosed over.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N204RW](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N204RW-1994-07-27), registration cancelled 1994-07-27, S/N 154948 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL UH-1L
- Registry model: [Bell UH-1L](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-uh-1l) (registry code 1181401) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 154948
- Engines: LYCOMING T53-L110 1100 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Bob'S Flying Service
- Registered owner: Bob'S Flying Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 13,000 total, 900 in this make and model, 12,000 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dawn
- Wind: 135° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °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 19940502010429A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940502010429A), May 2, 1994: Bell UH1E, Pleasant Grove, CA, Destroyed. Flew into power lines on a spray run lost control. Rolled on ground impact. Blamed rising sun obscured powerline.

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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