# NTSB MKC88LA092: Bell 47G-2, N4690, Mc Dougal, AR, May 19, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 19, 1988, 11:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Mc Dougal, AR
- Coordinates: 36.44078, -90.390869 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.4408&lon=-90.3909&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 24, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34570
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC88LA092
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34570/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC88LA092

## 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
  - spray/dusting equipment - blocked(partial) (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
  - misc rotorcraft,tail boom - sheared
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE HAD JUST BEGUN THE SPRAYING OF A RICE FIELD WHEN ONE OF THE SPRAY NOZZLES MALFUNCTIONED. AS HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO SET THE HELICOPTER DOWN ON THE GROUND, TO WORK ON THE NOZZLE, THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK A TREE. THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES THEN CHOPPED OFF THE TAIL BOOM, AND THE HELICOPTER WENT OUT OF CONTROL BEFORE IMPACTING THE TERRAIN. NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION WAS DISCOVERED DURING THE POST-CRASH INSPECTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4690](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4690-2018-03-05), registration cancelled 2018-03-05, S/N BB2383, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-2
- 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: BB2383
- Airframe hours: 3188
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-A1B 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Harmon Rex
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, July 31, 1987

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 2,400 total, 2,300 in this make and model, 2,250 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 30 days, 8 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: JBR, 38 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 19880519015849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880519015849A), May 19, 1988: Bell 47G2, Mcdougal, AR, Substantial damage. Main rotors struck a tree while maneuvering to land to adjust a sprayboom nozzle. Chopped off tailboom.

## Other investigations on N4690 (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 CEN14LA415](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA415), Aug 10, 2014: Bell 47G 2 (N4690), Jeanerette, LA, destroyed, 1 fatal. Probable cause: The pilot’s improper decision to operate an unairworthy helicopter, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB MKC78DCA30](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC78DCA30), Jun 14, 1978: Bell 47G-2 (N4690), Naylor, MO, 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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