# NTSB SEA89LA116: Bell 47G3B2A, N59414, Dyer, NV, June 22, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 22, 1989, 09:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Dyer, NV
- Coordinates: 37.680015, -117.929054 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.6800&lon=-117.9291&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report October 24, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41036
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA89LA116
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41036/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA116

## Probable cause

THE PILOTS POOR PLANNING IN ATTEMPTING A HOVER IN UNDESIRABLE CONDITIONS WHICH RESULTING IN THE INABILITY TO MAINTAIN ROTOR ROM. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN AND HIGH DENSITY ALT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, hover
  - rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, other

## Analysis

WHILE THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO HOVER OUT OF GROUND EFFECT OVER STEEP SLOPING MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN IN HIGH DENSITY ALT WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE ROTOR RPM BEGAN TO DECREASE. HE ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A TAKEOFF, RESULTING IN FURTHER DECAY OF ROTOR RPM, AND IMPACT WITH TERRAIN. THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER AND WAS DESTROYED BY POST IMPACT FIRE. THE PILOTS RECOMMENDATION FOR PREVENTION OF THE ACCIDENT: 'AVOID OPERATIONS AT HOVER WHERE LANDING IS NOT POSSIBLE.'

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N59414](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N59414-2014-10-29), registration cancelled 2014-10-29, S/N 6870, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G3B2A
- Registry model: [Bell 47G3B2A](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g3b2a) (registry code 1181025) (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: 6870
- Airframe hours: 4445
- Engines: LYCOMING TVO-435-F1A 280 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Hector G. Mcneill
- Registered owner: Mc Neill, Hector G.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, September 10, 1988, 120 hours before
- Departed: BIH, BISHOP, CA
- Destination: BIH

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 500 total, 350 in this make and model, 380 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 45° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 16 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BIH, 38 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 19890622017079A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890622017079A), Jun 22, 1989: Bell 47G3B2A, Dyer, NV, Destroyed. Tried to hover over steep slope terrain. Rotor speed decayed,tried to recover with power impacted rolled and burned

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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