# NTSB SEA87LA118: Bell 47G-3B-2, N2219W, Milton-Freewatr, OR, June 12, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 12, 1987, 11:45 local (18:45 UTC)
- Place: Milton-Freewatr, OR
- Coordinates: 45.899826, -118.339271 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.8998&lon=-118.3393&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 2, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40643
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA87LA118
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40643/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87LA118

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, hover
  - terrain condition - rising (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS HOVERING UP RISING TERRAIN AT A SLOW AIRSPEED, AT 15 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND WHILE ON AN AGRICULTURAL SPRAYING FLIGHT AND ENCOUNTERED SETTLING WITH POWER. THE AIRCRAFT ENTERED AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT AND IMPACTED THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2219W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2219W-2012-08-30), registration cancelled 2012-08-30, S/N 6746, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-3B-2
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-3B-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-3b-2) (registry code 1181029) (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: 6746
- Airframe hours: 4454
- Engines: LYCOMING TV0-435 SER 280 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Ronald A. Richman
- Registered owner: Ronald A Richman
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, February 5, 1987, 98 hours before
- Departed: MILTON FREEWATR, OR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 6,977 total, 6,977 in this make and model, 6,927 as pilot in command, 104 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 260° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ALW, 10 nm away

## 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 19870612020459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870612020459A), Jun 12, 1987: Bell 47G3B2, Milton Freewate, OR, Destroyed. Settled with power. Bounced on ground impact. Lost tail rotor control and spun in.

## Other investigations on N2219W (1)

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 LAX70FUG52](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX70FUG52), Jun 24, 1970: Bell 47G3B2 (N2219W), Wrightwood, CA, 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.

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