On August 27, 1982, a Bell 47G-2 (registration N12412) operated by Janet K. Brentner was involved in an aviation accident near Palo, IA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During flight at about 300 ft, the engine sputtered and lost power. The pilot autorotated and landed in a bean field where the spray boom entangled, causing the tail boom to be severed by main rotor blades. Water was found in the carburetor.
Accident Summary
A pilot reported a loss of engine power during flight at approximately 300 feet above ground level. The engine sputtered and lost power, prompting the pilot to enter an autorotation. The pilot turned into the wind and executed a landing in a bean field.
Sequence of Events
As the aircraft descended into the bean field, the spray boom became entangled in the vines. The entanglement pulled the nose of the aircraft down. The impact of the landing flexed the tail boom upward into the path of the main rotor blades. The main rotor blades subsequently severed the tail boom.
Findings
Upon examination, the pilot reported that water was found in the carburetor. No other contributing factors were identified in the report.