# NTSB SEA91FA142: Bell 47G-3B1, N7859S, Goldendale, WA, June 26, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: June 26, 1991, 05:28 local (12:28 UTC)
- Place: Goldendale, WA
- Coordinates: 45.840522, -120.76094 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.8405&lon=-120.7609&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41322
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91FA142
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41322/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91FA142

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S MISJUDGEMENT OF FUEL SUPPLY.

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF THE TURBINE-POWERED BELL 47G-3B1 WAS APPROACHING THE REMOTE LANDING ZONE WHEN THE HELICOPTER PITCHED DOWN AND TURNED LEFT. THE PILOT CALLED MAYDAY BEFORE THE HELICOPTER STRUCK TREES. LESS THAN TWO GALLONS OF FUEL WAS DRAINED FROM THE FUEL SYSTEM DURING THE INVESTIGATION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel supply - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7859S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7859S-2001-03-02), registration cancelled 2001-03-02, S/N 6626 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G-3B1
- Registry model: [Bell 47G-3B-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-3b-1) (registry code 1181028) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 6626
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20B 420 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial observation, Part 91
- Operator: Western Helicopter Services
- Registered owner: Western Helicopter Services
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 5,861 total, 877 in this make and model, 5,570 as pilot in command, 88 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dawn
- Wind: 310° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °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 19910626024069A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910626024069A), Jun 26, 1991: Bell STC47, Goldendale, WA, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. Made autorotated landing into trees after engine failure. Fuel tanks contained undetermined amount of fuel.

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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