# NTSB MIA90LA023: Bell 47D1, N93067, Loxahatchee, FL, November 2, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 2, 1989, 09:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: Loxahatchee, FL
- Coordinates: 26.729923, -80.319175 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.7299&lon=-80.3192&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report December 10, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32599
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA90LA023
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32599/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA90LA023

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ROTOR RPM AFTER PULLING UP FROM A SWATH RUN.  A RELATED FACTOR WAS THE PRESENCE OF TREES.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
  - pull-up - performed
  - rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command
- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT RPRTD THAT AFTER COMPLETING A SWATH RUN, HE 'PULLED UP AND HELD BACK LONGER TO CLEAR TREES AT THE END OF THE FIELD.'  THE HELICOPTER LOST AIRSPEED FASTER THAN THE PLT REALIZED. HE STATED THAT AT THE TOP OF THE TURN, THE HELICOPTER FELT LIKE IT WOULD SLIDE BACKWARDS, SO HE PUSHED THE CYCLIC FORWARD, APPLIED FULL POWER & TRIED TO FLY OUT OF THE SITUATION. HOWEVER, THE HELICOPTER CONTD TO DESCEND. SUBSEQUENTLY, IT IMPACTED WITH TREES & WAS DAMAGED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N93067](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N93067), registered now, S/N 5501, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47D1
- Registry model: [Bell 47D1](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47d1) (registry code 1180802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6V4 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6v4-series) (registry code 27033, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 5501
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6V4 210 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Unknown

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 370 total, 70 in this make and model, 300 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 315° at 1 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °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 19891102045739A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891102045739A), Nov 2, 1989: Bell 47D1, Loxahatchee, FL, Substantial damage. Began ascent to clear trees on takeoff,became too slow and entered settling with power. No recovery,went into trees

## Other investigations on N93067 (5)

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 ERA14LA099](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA099), Jan 21, 2014: Bell 47D1 (N93067), Pell City, AL, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s use of an improper clutch engagement procedure, which resulted in clutch glazing, slippage, and, ultimately, the in-flight disengagement of the clutch and a loss of rotor rpm.…
- [NTSB MIA92LA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA92LA069), Jan 27, 1992: Bell 47D1 (N93067), Cross City, FL, substantial damage. Probable cause: PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO UNDETERMINED REASONS AND UNSUITABLE TERRAIN ENCOUNTERED DURING THE AUTOROTATIVE LANDING.
- [NTSB FTW85LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA043), Nov 4, 1984: Bell 47D1 (N93067), Terlingua, TX, substantial damage
- [NTSB FTW82DA189](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82DA189), May 20, 1982: Bell 47D-1 (N93067), Harrisburg, AR, substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX67A0026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX67A0026), Sep 1, 1966: Bell 47D1 (N93067), Quartz Hill, CA, 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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