# NTSB SEA89LA175: Bell 47G3B2, N83111, Monitor, WA, September 18, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 18, 1989, 07:35 local (14:35 UTC)
- Place: Monitor, WA
- Coordinates: 47.469821, -120.410491 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.4698&lon=-120.4105&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 25, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41083
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA89LA175
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41083/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA175

## Probable cause

THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN AIRCRAFT SEPARATION FROM OBSTACLES ON THE GROUND. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE BRIGHT GLARE FROM THE RISING SUN.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - aerial application
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED A 35 FT. HIGH WIND MACHINE WHILE THE PILOT WAS MAKING AN AERIAL APPLICATION SWATH RUN, SPRAYING AN APPLE ORCHARD. THE AIRCRAFT WAS TRAVELING TOWARD THE EAST, FACING A BRIGHT RISING MORNING SUN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N83111](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N83111), registered now, S/N 6857 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G3B2
- 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: 6857
- Airframe hours: 4414
- Engines: LYCOMING TVO-435 270 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Cascade Helicopters, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 15, 1989, 105 hours before
- Departed: MONITOR, WA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 6,900 total, 508 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 54 °F, dew point 41 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: EAT, 11 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 19890918035329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890918035329A), Sep 18, 1989: Bell 47G3B2, Monitor, WA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Collided with an apple orchard wind machine during a low level spray run. Was blinded by rising sun.

## Other investigations on N83111 (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 DEN73AD055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN73AD055), Jun 19, 1973: Bell 4G3B2A (N83111), Luna, NM, substantial damage, 1 fatal

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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