# NTSB SEA89LA076: Bell 47G3B2, N4072G, Milton-Freewtr, OR, April 29, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 29, 1989, 10:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Milton-Freewtr, OR
- Coordinates: 45.900913, -118.340179 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.9009&lon=-118.3402&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report January 22, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41002
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA89LA076
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41002/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA076

## Probable cause

IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT, WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION FROM AN INADEQUATE SUPPLY OF FUEL.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering - aerial application
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - autorotation
- Hard landing, landing

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT THE ENG LOST POWER DURING A PROCEDURE TURN-AROUND & THAT INSUFFICIENT SPEED & ALTITUDE WERE AVAILABLE TO PREVENT A HARD AUTOROTATIVE LANDING. DURING TOUCHDOWN, THE MAIN ROTOR SEVERED THE TAILBOOM. ONLY ABOUT 1/2 GAL OF FUEL WAS REMAINING IN THE INTACT FUEL SYSTEM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N4072G (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: Bell 47G3B2
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 6702
- Airframe hours: 6516
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20 400 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Gary Knight
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, November 12, 1988, 106 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 7,800 total, 450 in this make and model, 7,400 as pilot in command, 85 in the last 90 days, 70 in the last 30 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point -0 °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 19890429010579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890429010579A), Apr 29, 1989: Bell STC47, Milton-Free Wat, OR, Substantial damage. Engine quit in procedure turn after a spray run. Impact chopped tailboom. Only unusable fuel remained in fuel tank.

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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