# NTSB MIA83LA069: Bell 47G2, N74822, Riverview, FL, January 29, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 29, 1983, 13:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Riverview, FL
- Location: 27.8661° N, 82.3265° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Riverview, FL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.8661&lon=-82.3265&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30843
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA83LA069
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30843/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA83LA069

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - object - bird(s) (contributing factor)
  - physical impairment, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

ACCORDING TO THE PILOT HE LOST CONTROL OF THE ACFT AFTER A BIRD HIT HIM ON THE RIGHT TEMPLE WHILE FLYING AT ABOUT 15 FEET ABOVE THE WATER. THE ACFT WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 50 MPH WHEN THE BIRD FLEW IN THROUGH LEFT DOOR OPENING. THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE ACFT AND IT THEN CRASHED INTO THE OCEAN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N74822](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N74822), registered now, S/N 456, built 1964 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G2
- Registry model: [Bell 47D1](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47d1) (registry code 1180802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 456
- Airframe hours: 3386
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-A1E 240 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Grogan Helicopters Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 1, 1982, 55 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 6,692 total, 4,969 in this make and model, 4,969 as pilot in command, 14 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 2 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °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 19830129003239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830129003239A), Jan 29, 1983: Bell 47D1, Riverview, FL, Substantial damage. Bird came thru open door and struck pilots temple while flying at 15 ft AGL. Impact dazed pilot. Helicopter 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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