# NTSB MIA93LA014: Bell 47-G3-B1, N94720, Palm Beach, FL, November 4, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 4, 1992, 10:05 local (15:05 UTC)
- Place: Palm Beach, FL
- Coordinates: 26.689565, -80.030807 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.6896&lon=-80.0308&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33193
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA93LA014
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33193/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA93LA014

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ROTOR RPM DURING THE AUTOROTATION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion
  - preflight planning/preparation - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE AGRICULTURAL PILOT STATED THAT HE HAD COMPLETED HIS SPRAYING AND HAD LANDED, WHEN A GROVE WORKER REQUESTED A RIDE OVER THE GROVE. WHILE MANEUVERING AT 150 FEET, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. DURING THE AUTOROTATION, THE ROTOR RPM DECAYED AND THE HELICOPTER LANDED HARD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N94720](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N94720), registered now, S/N 3634 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47-G3-B1
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-3B-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-3b-1) (registry code 1181028) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TVO-435-GIA](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-tvo-435-gia) (registry code 41526, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 67-159115
- Airframe hours: 6656
- Engines: LYCOMING TVO-435-D1A 220 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Colony Helicopters Inc.
- Registered owner: Colony Helicopters Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, November 19, 1991, 40 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane, helicopter; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 3,611 total, 113 in this make and model, 2,454 as pilot in command, 26 in the last 90 days, 16 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °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 19921104049159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19921104049159A), Nov 4, 1992: Bell 47G3B1, Palm Beach, FL, Substantial damage. Engine failed at 150 ft AGL after takeoff. Made hard autorotation landing into trees.

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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