# NTSB MIA93LA027: Bell 47-G5A, N7925J, Belle Glade, FL, December 7, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 7, 1992, 13:58 local (18:58 UTC)
- Place: Belle Glade, FL
- Coordinates: 26.680034, -80.6706 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.6800&lon=-80.6706&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 29, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33203
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA93LA027
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33203/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA93LA027

## Probable cause

THE IMPROPER IN FLIGHT DECISION OF THE PILOT IN COMMAND TO ATTEMPT AN AGRICULTURAL TURN WITH INSUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO ACCOMPLISH THE MANEUVER. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S OVERCONFIDENCE IN HIS ABILITIES.

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF THE HELICOPTER WAS HOVERING FAST ACROSS THE AIRPORT TO REPOSITION THE HELICOPTER WHEN HE ATTEMPTED A SIMULATED AGRICULTURAL TURN AT HOVER ALTITUDE. THE LEFT SPRAY BOOM AND THE TAIL ROTOR BLADES CONTACTED THE GROUND AND THE HELICOPTER BEGAN TO SPIN. THE PILOT REDUCED THROTTLE AND A HARD LANDING OCCURRED.

## Sequence of events

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

- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (cause)
- Hard landing, descent - emergency

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7925J](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7925J), registered now, S/N 25041, built 1971 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47-G5A
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-5](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-5) (registry code 1181032) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 25041
- Airframe hours: 4478
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-B1A 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Positioning, Part 91
- Operator: Air Crop Care Inc.
- Registered owner: Air Crop Care Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 30, 1992, 12 hours before
- Departed: X10
- Airport: X10, Belle Glade

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 59; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 20,000 total, 150 in this make and model, 150 in the last 90 days, 50 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 140° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 75 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PBI, 21 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 19921207056359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19921207056359A), Dec 7, 1992: Bell 47G5A, Belle Grade, FL, Substantial damage. During aerial taxi to reposition ag helicopter in ramp tail struck ramp. Lost control impacted in a spin.

## Other investigations on N7925J (3)

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 CHI03LA210](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA210), Jul 15, 2003: Bell 47G-5 (N7925J), Cleveland, MN, destroyed. Probable cause: The pilot's inadequate visual lookout and low altitude flight when he failed to maintain altitude/clearance from the transmission wire. A factor contributing to the accident was the transmission wire.
- [NTSB CHI97LA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA004), Oct 6, 1996: Bell 47G-5 (N7925J), Nunda, SD, substantial damage. Probable cause: failure of maintenance personnel to properly torque the six accessory drive bolts, which resulted in fatigue failure of the undertorqued bolts.
- [NTSB MIA91TL#03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA91TL%2303), Mar 27, 1991: Bell 47-G5A (N7925J), Titusville, FL, 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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