# NTSB NYC86FNC05: Bell 47G-5, N7861S, Walthamer, ME, July 12, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: July 12, 1986, 05:00 local (10:00 UTC)
- Place: Walthamer, ME
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30228
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC86FNC05
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30228/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86FNC05

## 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
  - light condition - sunglare
  - in-flight planning/decision - not performed, pilot in command
  - object - wire,transmission
- Loss of control - in flight, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WHILE ON A SPRAY RUN THE PILOT OF THE BELL 47 WAS BLINDED BY THE SUN AS HE WAS TURNING. THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK POWER LINES, CONTROL WAS LOST AND THE HELICOPTER CRASHED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7861S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7861S), registered now, S/N 7865, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-5
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-5](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-5) (registry code 1181032) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 7865
- Airframe hours: 5411
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-B1A 220 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Maine Helicopter, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 3, 1986, 63 hours before
- Departed: EASTBROOK, ME

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 5,150 total, 500 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dawn
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point -0 °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 19860712032479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860712032479A), Jul 12, 1986: Bell 47G5, Waltham, ME, Destroyed. Helicopter struck a powerline while spraying crops. Pilot reported the rising sun obscured his vision.

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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