# NTSB MIA92LA003: Bell 47D-1, N3655F, Clewiston, FL, October 4, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 4, 1991, 09:00 local (13:00 UTC)
- Place: Clewiston, FL
- Coordinates: 26.749004, -80.930213 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.7490&lon=-80.9302&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report April 8, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33014
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA92LA003
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33014/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA92LA003

## Probable cause

THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE WHILE MANEUVERING RESULTING IN AN IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH A GUY WIRE.

## 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 - guy wire
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

WHILE PULLING UP FOLLOWING A SPRAY PASS EITHER THE LT SKID OR SPRAY BOOM CONTACTED A GUY WIRE WHICH THEN BROKE & CONTACTED THE MAIN & TAIL ROTOR BLADES.  DURING THE UNCONTROLLED DESCENT, THE HELICOPTER ROLLED INVERTED & IMPACTED THE GROUND.  THE PLT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO PREIMPACT FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF THE HELICOPTER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N3655F (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47D-1
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 45
- Airframe hours: 8685
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6V4-200CS2 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Allied Helicopter Service, Inc
- Registered owner: Allied Helicopter Service, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, September 18, 1991, 15 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 1,741 total, 89 in this make and model, 1,680 as pilot in command, 36 in the last 90 days, 29 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °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 19911004045079A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19911004045079A), Oct 4, 1991: Bell 47D1, Clewiston, FL, Substantial damage. Struck a guy wire on pull-up from a spray run. Impact hit tail rotor. Crashed out of control, inverted.

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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