# NTSB MKC82DA082: Bell 47G2, N8426E, Thornton, IA, May 14, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: May 14, 1982, 13:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Thornton, IA
- Coordinates: 42.940052, -93.38031 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.9401&lon=-93.3803&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 14, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72814
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC82DA082
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72814/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC82DA082

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - aerial application
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- Roll over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - open field (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING THE DOWNWIND TURN FOR THE FOURTH SPRAYING PASS THE PILOT ENCOUNTERED A GUST OF WIND. THE PILOT STATED HE APPLIED POWER, COLLECTIVE AND CYCLIC TO LEVEL OFF AT SPRAYING ALTITUDE BUT THE WIND WAS TOO STRONG TO PREVENT THE TAILBOOM FROM STRIKING THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8426E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8426E-2012-10-19), registration cancelled 2012-10-19, S/N 2543, built 1960 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G2
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-2) (registry code 1181008) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 2473
- Airframe hours: 3622
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-A1B 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Robert J. Valley
- Registered owner: Robert J. Valley
- Departed: THORNTON, IA
- Destination: THORNTON, IA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 614 total, 295 in this make and model, 547 as pilot in command, 46 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 135° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 156 °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 19820514016079A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820514016079A), May 14, 1982: Bell 47G2, Thornton, IA, Substantial damage. Helicopter crashed during start of spray run after turn around. Pilot claims downdraft.

## Other investigations on N8426E (2)

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 NYC71FHA51](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC71FHA51), Jun 8, 1971: Bell 47G2 (N8426E), Branchville, NJ, destroyed, 1 fatal
- [NTSB NYC71FHD18](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC71FHD18), Aug 24, 1970: Bell 47G-2 (N8426E), Medford, NJ, 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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