# NTSB SEA82DA050: Bell 47G-2A, N11VH, Lyle, WA, April 10, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: April 9, 1982, 16:30 local (Apr 10, 1982, 00:30 UTC)
- Place: Lyle, WA
- Coordinates: 48.460952, -122.22937 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.4610&lon=-122.2294&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 9, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71520
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA82DA050
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71520/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA82DA050

## Analysis

DURING TAKEOFF WITH A LOAD OF FERTILIZER, INSUFFICIENT POWER WAS AVAILABLE TO MAINTAIN ENGINE AND ROTOR RPM AND SUSTAIN FLIGHT.  THE PILOT DUMPED THE LOAD, BUT WAS UNABLE TO AVOID GROUND CONTACT.  THE TAIL ROTOR STRUCK FIRST AND SEPARATED FROM THE AIRCRAFT.  THE DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2800 FT.  NO MECHANICAL FAILURES WERE REPORTED.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - load jettison - performed, pilot in command

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N11VH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N11VH-2011-07-19), registration cancelled 2011-07-19, S/N 2027, built 1958 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-2A
- 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: 2027
- Airframe hours: 8119
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-A1D 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Valicopters, Inc.
- Registered owner: Valicopters, Inc.
- Departed: LYLE, WA
- Destination: LYLE, WA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; flight instructor, commercial, private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 2,892 total, 712 in this make and model, 2,839 as pilot in command, 95 in the last 90 days, 21 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Temperature: 131 °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 19820409089409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820409089409A), Apr 9, 1982: Bell 47G2A, Lyle, WA, Substantial damage. Helicopter lifted off on takeoff but it was unable to sustain flight.

## Other investigations on N11VH (6)

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 SEA99LA149](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99LA149), Aug 26, 1999: Bell 47G-2 (N11VH), Benton City, WA, destroyed, 1 fatal. Probable cause: A loss of power for undetermined reasons and the failure of the pilot to maintain adequate rotor RPM following the power loss. Contributing factors were the pilot's lack of certification and total…
- [NTSB SEA86LA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA86LA143), Jun 12, 1986: Bell 47G-2 (N11VH), Zillah, WA, destroyed
- [NTSB SEA85LA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85LA155), Jul 2, 1985: Bell 47G2 (N11VH), Roosevelt, WA, substantial damage
- [NTSB SEA84LA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA84LA132), Jun 14, 1984: Bell 47G2A (N11VH), Buena, WA, substantial damage
- [NTSB SEA82DA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA82DA072), May 18, 1982: Bell 47G-2 (N11VH), Grandview, WA, substantial damage
- [NTSB FTW74FPJ06](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW74FPJ06), Aug 16, 1973: EL Tomcat MK5 (N11VH), Springer, OK, substantial damage, 1 fatal

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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