# NTSB SEA91LA233: Bell 47G, N73865, Miltonfreewater, OR, September 12, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 12, 1991, 15:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Miltonfreewater, OR
- Coordinates: 45.900451, -118.340629 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.9005&lon=-118.3406&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 5, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41532
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91LA233
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41532/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA233

## Probable cause

PILOT FACTOR IN THAT THE PILOT FAILED TO INSURE THERE WAS ADEQUATE CLEARANCE FROM OBSTACLES FOR A SAFE TAKEOFF. A FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE PILOT'S POOR PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - tree(s)
  - clearance - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF FOR AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT, THE RIGHT SIDE SPRAY BOOM CAUGHT ON A TREE WHICH PULLED THE HELICOPTER TO THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N73865](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N73865-2012-09-06), registration cancelled 2012-09-06, S/N 7, built 1962 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47G
- Registry model: [Bell-Continental Copters 47G-ELTOMCAT MKII](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-continental-copters-47g-eltomcat-mkii) (registry code 1181062) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6V4 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6v4-series) (registry code 27033, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 7
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6V350 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Bma Inc.
- Registered owner: Bma Inc.

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 5,816 total, 485 in this make and model, 280 in the last 90 days, 90 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 20 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 19910912039729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910912039729A), Sep 12, 1991: Bell 47G, Milton Freewate, OR, Substantial damage. Near gross weight and hot day was unable to clear tree tops. Caught spray boom and crashed into orchard.

## Other investigations on N73865 (3)

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 SEA83LA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA83LA069), Apr 1, 1983: Continental Copters Mkiii (N73865), Pasco, WA, substantial damage
- [NTSB SEA73FYG36](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA73FYG36), May 26, 1973: Bell Tomcat (N73865), Harrington, WA, substantial damage
- [NTSB MKC67A0088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC67A0088), Jun 26, 1967: Bell 47G (N73865), Lincoln, KS, 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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