# NTSB SEA89LA029: Bell 47G3-B1, N8587F, Newberg, OR, December 26, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 26, 1988, 11:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Newberg, OR
- Coordinates: 45.320823, -122.97911 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.3208&lon=-122.9791&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 11, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40965
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA89LA029
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40965/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA029

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, hover
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - rotor rpm - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

AS PLT SLOWED HELICOPTER TO ABOUT 10 KTS FORWARD SPEED, TAIL ROTOR EFFECTIVENESS DECREASED. ACFT YAWED RIGHT INTO DESCENT TO GROUND CONTACT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N8587F (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G3-B1
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 6527
- Airframe hours: 6851
- Engines: LYCOMING TVO-435-B1A 270 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Norman S. Parker, doing business as Western Helicopter Services
- Registered owner: Norman Parker
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, November 14, 1988, 32 hours before
- Departed: 2S6

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 305 total, 74 in this make and model, 224 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 39 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SLE, 20 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 19881226056419A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881226056419A), Dec 26, 1988: Bell 47G3B1, Newberg, OR, Substantial damage. Improper control inputs caused loss of tail rotor effectiveness while slowing to a hover. Rotated to ground impact.

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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