# NTSB SEA85LA178: Bell 47G-3B-1, N1333X, Idaho City, ID, June 11, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 11, 1985, 16:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Idaho City, ID
- Coordinates: 43.869224, -115.640937 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.8692&lon=-115.6409&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40210
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA85LA178
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40210/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85LA178

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal
  - exhaust system,external supercharger - failure,total (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE THE STUDENT PLT WAS ON A X-COUNTRY FLT, THE ENG LOST POWER AFTER THE SUPERCHARGER FAILED. THE PLT STATED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE & RPM; HE SUBSEQUENTLY MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A HEAVILY TIMBERED, MOUNTAINOUS AREA.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1333X](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1333X), registered now, S/N 6554, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-3B-1
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-3B-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-3b-1) (registry code 1181028) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TVO-435-GIA](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-tvo-435-gia) (registry code 41526, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 6554
- Airframe hours: 3995
- Engines: LYCOMING TVO-435-B1A 270 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Jes Gandiaga
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: 100 hour, July 24, 1985, 93 hours before
- Departed: MYC, MCCALL, ID
- Destination: U98, IDAHO CITY, ID
- Airport: None

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 93 total, 93 in this make and model, 50 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19850611037589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850611037589A), Jun 11, 1985: Bell 47G3B1, Idaho City, ID, Substantial damage. Made forced landing into trees after supercharger failed in flight.

## Other investigations on N1333X (2)

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 LAX72FUJ88](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX72FUJ88), Mar 24, 1972: Bell 47G3B1 (N1333X), Gila Bend, AZ, substantial damage
- [NTSB DEN72FQD08](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN72FQD08), Aug 31, 1971: Bell 47G3B1 (N1333X), Ruidoso, NM, substantial damage

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.