# NTSB NYC84LA226: Bell 47J, N9398H, Cranbury, NJ, June 20, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 19, 1984, 20:45 local (Jun 20, 1984, 00:45 UTC)
- Place: Cranbury, NJ
- Location: 40.3135° N, 74.5202° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Cranbury, NJ, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.3135&lon=-74.5202&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): 35696
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC84LA226
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35696/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC84LA226

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
  - rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER HAD MADE 4 SUCCESSFUL SPRAY PASSES DURING THIS SERIES OF RUNS AFTER RELOADING. DURING THE TURN TO START THE FIFTH PASS THE ACFT STARTED TO SETTLE AND CONTACTED THE GROUND BEFORE RECOVERY COULD BE MADE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9398H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9398H-2010-06-29), registration cancelled 2010-06-29, S/N 1434, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47J
- Registry model: [Bell 47J](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47j) (registry code 1181102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: MK6C
- Airframe hours: 792
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-43A17 280 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Cardoba Helicopters, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 7, 1984, 60 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 10,079 total, 471 in this make and model, 9,143 as pilot in command, 77 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 230° at 2 knots, gusting 3
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 75 °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 19840619032819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840619032819A), Jun 19, 1984: Bell 47J, Cranbury, NJ, Substantial damage. Settled during turn around for 5th spray run. Contacted ground. Indicates settling with power regime.

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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