# NTSB NYC88DGT02: Bell 47G3B1, N48181, Cove Gap, PA, May 30, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: May 30, 1988, 09:15 local (13:15 UTC)
- Place: Cove Gap, PA
- Location: 39.8659° N, 77.9425° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Cove Gap, PA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.8659&lon=-77.9425&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 10, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35973
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC88DGT02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35973/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88DGT02

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - aborted
  - maneuver - initiated, pilot in command
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER PLT WAS TAKING OFF FROM AN AREA SURROUNDED BY TREES & BUILDINGS FOR A LOCAL SPRAY OPERATION.  THE WIND WAS CALM.  REPORTEDLY, DURING THE ATTEMPTED DEPARTURE, THE PLT 'EXHAUSTED ALL POWER AVAILABLE THEN MADE RIGHT TURN TO RETURN TO FIELD.'  AFTER TURNING, THE HELICOPTER'S TAIL ROTOR STRUCK A POWER LINE THAT CROSSED THE FIELD NEAR ITS EDGE, THEN THE HELICOPTER CRASHED IN A NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N48181](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N48181-2018-02-07), registration cancelled 2018-02-07, S/N 3813, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G3B1
- Registry model: [Bell TH-13T](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-th-13t) (registry code 1180813) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 3813
- Airframe hours: 3319
- Engines: LYCOMING TVO-435-B1B 270 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: East Coast Helicopter
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special); Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 4, 1988, 93 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; commercial, flight instructor; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F

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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