Casualties unknown

1985-07-10: Bell 47G (N75273) — Pella, IA

Pella, IA, US

On July 10, 1985, a Bell 47G (registration N75273) was involved in an aviation accident near Pella, IA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a training flight on N75273, an instructor pilot lost control while demonstrating a turn-around, causing the helicopter to descend and impact a crop from 80-100 ft.

Background

A training flight was conducted to provide instruction in aerial application procedures and techniques for the pilot-owner of helicopter N75273. The instructor pilot, who had extensive experience in the make and model, was at the controls at the time of the accident.

Accident Sequence

The instructor was demonstrating a turn-around at the end of a swath run and initiated a right turn. According to the instructor, the bank angle steepened despite his application of full left lateral cyclic control. The bank increased to nearly 90 degrees. The instructor was unable to regain control of the helicopter. From the top of the turn, which was at an altitude of 80 to 100 feet above ground level, the helicopter descended in a right bank at approximately 30 knots until it impacted the crop.

Findings

The helicopter sustained damage upon impact with the crop. No other details regarding injuries or further damage were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37219. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.