# NTSB SEA89LA098: Bell 47G-2, N41721, Buena, WA, June 2, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 2, 1989, 09:20 local (16:20 UTC)
- Place: Buena, WA
- Coordinates: 46.430706, -120.320487 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.4307&lon=-120.3205&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report August 2, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41023
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA89LA098
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41023/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA098

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT AND CLEARANCE TO AVOID THE POWER LINES.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - clearance - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION MANEUVER, THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH POWER LINES AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE TERRAIN. A POST CRASH FIRE IGNITED DESTROYING THE HELICOPTER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N41721](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N41721-2012-12-26), registration cancelled 2012-12-26, S/N 815 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-2
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-2) (registry code 1181008) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 815
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-A1B 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Valicopters, Inc.
- Registered owner: Valicopters
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 23, 1989
- Departed: BUENA, WA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,400 total, 725 in this make and model, 1,300 as pilot in command, 100 in the last 90 days, 50 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °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 19890602014149A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890602014149A), Jun 2, 1989: Bell 47G2, Buena, WA, Destroyed. Struck a powerline, crashed and burned while making a fly over at field to be sprayed.

## Other investigations on N41721 (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 SEA83LA122](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA83LA122), Jun 11, 1983: Bell 47G-2 (N41721), Zillah, WA, substantial damage
- [NTSB SEA78DYM23](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA78DYM23), Apr 7, 1978: Bell 47G-2 (N41721), Goldendale, WA, 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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