# NTSB MIA94LA216: Bell 47G-2A, N30JJ, Moore  Haven, FL, September 23, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 23, 1994, 08:35 local (12:35 UTC)
- Place: Moore  Haven, FL
- Coordinates: 26.749505, -80.930191 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.7495&lon=-80.9302&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 18, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37606
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA94LA216
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37606/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA94LA216

## Probable cause

The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain a visual lookout while maneuvering on a swath run, resulting in an in-flight collision with wires, and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain.

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

## Analysis

The pilot stated he was making a swath run to the north over an orange grove. He was aware that powerlines paralled the swath run to the north, and additional powerlines crossed the end of the swath run from east to west. Upon reaching the end of the swath run, the helicopter collided with the wires separating the tailrotor from the helicopter. The helicopter spun to the right, collided with the terrain, and was destroyed by a postcrash fire.

## Factual narrative

On September 23, 1994, about 0835 eastern daylight time, a Bell 47G-2A, N30JJ, registered to Airwork Enterprises, operating as a 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight, collided with wires and crashed while making a swath run in the vicinity of Moore Haven, Florida. The helicopter was destroyed. The commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from an orange grove located about 7 miles south of Moore Haven, Florida, about 5 minutes before the accident.

The pilot stated he was making a swath run to the north over an orange grove. Power lines were located to his right paralleling the swath run. Another set of power lines intersect the north/south power lines from the east/west, at the end of the orange grove. Upon reaching the end of the swath run, he observed and collided with the east/west power lines separating the tailrotor from the helicopter. The helicopter spun to the right, collided with the terrain, and was destroyed by a postcrash fire.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N30JJ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N30JJ-2007-11-19), registration cancelled 2007-11-19, S/N 2670, built 1961 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-2A
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-2A](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-2a) (registry code 1181012) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-540-series) (registry code 41534, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 2670
- Airframe hours: 6487
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-A1F 265 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Airwork  Enterprises
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, August 15, 1994, 8 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 10,342 total, 3,737 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: FMY, 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 19940923030579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940923030579A), Sep 23, 1994: Bell 47G2A, Moore Haven, FL, Destroyed. Struck power line at end of swath run. Impact separated tail rotor. Spun to right. Impacted ground and burned.

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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