# NTSB NYC84FGM05: Bell 47G-5, N1477W, Penn Run, PA, July 4, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: July 4, 1984, 08:30 local (12:30 UTC)
- Place: Penn Run, PA
- Coordinates: 40.600643, -78.990814 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.6006&lon=-78.9908&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35387
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC84FGM05
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35387/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC84FGM05

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, maneuvering - aerial application
  - engine assembly,connecting rod - failure,total (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - flare - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - rotor system - separation

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS SPRAYING A POTATOE FIELD WITH A LIGHTLY LOADED HELICOPTER WHEN THE ENG FAILED. AT THAT TIME, THE HELICOPTER WAS ABOUT 10 FT AGL IN A SLIGHT RIGHT TURN & AT APRX 35 MPH. THE PLT FLARED TO STOP THE FORWARD MOVEMENT & LANDED, BUT THE TAIL ROTOR SECTION CONTACTED THE GROUND & SEPARATED FROM THE TAIL BOOM. AN EXAM OF THE ENG REVEALED THAT THE #6 CONNECTION ROD HAD FAILED & PUNCTURED THE CRANKCASE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1477W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1477W-1989-01-18), registration cancelled 1989-01-18, S/N 7938 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-5
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-5](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-5) (registry code 1181032) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 7938
- Airframe hours: 2290
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-B1A 220 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Gg Ag Service, Inc.
- Registered owner: G & G Ag Service, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 10, 1984, 91 hours before
- Departed: PENN RUN, PA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 3,100 total, 1,900 in this make and model, 71 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,500 ft unknown
- Temperature: 63 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19840704029559A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840704029559A), Jul 4, 1984: Bell 47G5, Penn Run, PA, Substantial damage. Engine threw a rod during a spray run. Hard landing chopped off tail boom. Failure occurred on NR6 cylinder.

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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