# NTSB SEA86LA106: Bell 47G-3B1, N1371X, Lapwai, ID, April 18, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 18, 1986, 14:55 local (21:55 UTC)
- Place: Lapwai, ID
- Coordinates: 46.320911, -116.779998 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.3209&lon=-116.7800&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): 40389
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA86LA106
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40389/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA86LA106

## 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
  - preflight planning/preparation - inaccurate, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER ROTOR MAST STRUCK POWERLINES AT AN ALT OF 12 FT AGL DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLT. THE PLT REPORTED SHE INADVERTENTLY MISSED SEEING THE POWERLINES WHEN SHE MADE HER SURVEY OF THE TERRAIN PRIOR TO THIS FLT. THE HELICOPTERDESCENDED AND CONTACTED THE TERRAIN IN A NOSE LOW ATTITUDE AFTER STRIKING THE LINES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N1371X (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-3B1
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 6574
- Airframe hours: 4963
- Engines: LYCOMING TVO-435-B1A 270 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Ebert Air Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, February 24, 1986, 66 hours before
- Departed: KAMIAH, ID
- Destination: LAPWAI, ID

## 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; flight hours: 5,697 total, 985 in this make and model, 5,558 as pilot in command, 69 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °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 19860418037929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860418037929A), Apr 18, 1986: Bell 47G3B1, Lapwai, ID, Substantial damage. During a spraying run, struck powerlines, then impacted the ground. Checked area before flight, had not seen lines.

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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