# NTSB MIA85FA016: Bell 47G-5A, N59424, Belle Glade, FL, October 22, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 22, 1984, 15:20 local (19:20 UTC)
- Place: Belle Glade, FL
- Coordinates: 26.680683, -80.669586 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.6807&lon=-80.6696&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31206
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA85FA016
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31206/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA85FA016

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - object - building(nonresidential)

## Analysis

ACFT WAD PARKED WITH 3 FT CLEARANCE BETWEEN MAIN ROTOR AND CORNER OF HANGAR. PLT STATED THAT ON LIFT OFF A GUST OF WIND BLEW ACFT TOWARD HANGAR. MAIN ROTOR BLADES MADE CONTACT. GROUND CREWMAN INJURED BY FLYING DEBRIS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N59424](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N59424-2014-10-29), registration cancelled 2014-10-29, S/N 25143, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-5A
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-5A](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-5a) (registry code 1181034) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 25143
- Airframe hours: 3228
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-B1A 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Robert W. Calhoun, doing business as Belle Aire Helicopters
- Registered owner: W.J. Tiller
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 10, 1983, 66 hours before
- Departed: BELLE GLADE, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 22,435 total, 12,103 as pilot in command, 156 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 110° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PBI, 22 nm away

## 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 19841022057699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841022057699A), Oct 22, 1984: Bell 47G5A, Belle Glade, FL, Substantial damage. After liftoff, the rotor blades struck a hangar support pole after encountering a gust of wind. Ground crew injury.

## Other investigations on N59424 (1)

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 FTW91LA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91LA166), Sep 26, 1991: Bell 47G-5A (N59424), Pearsall, TX, destroyed. Probable cause: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT FOR OBSTACLES DURING OPERATIONS FROM A REMOTE SITE.

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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