On October 27, 1989, a Bell 47G2 (registration N9025) was involved in an aviation accident near Wettumpka, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree during a turn while conducting agricultural spraying operations, which resulted in a collision and subsequent aircraft destruction. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter sustained substantial damage after its tail struck a tree during a turn while conducting agricultural spraying operations, resulting in a grass fire that destroyed the aircraft.
What happened
The pilot reported that the helicopter was engaged in agricultural spraying operations when the accident occurred. During a turn, the tail of the aircraft struck a tree. The impact caused the helicopter to roll onto its left side. Despite the collision, the engine continued to operate immediately after the incident.
Following the rollover, a grass fire erupted at the site of the accident. The fire resulted in the total destruction of the helicopter. The pilot later reflected on the circumstances, stating that he should not have been in too big of a hurry during the maneuver.
The investigation
The investigation relied primarily on the pilot's statement regarding the sequence of events. No mechanical failure was identified as the initial cause; rather, the accident was attributed to the aircraft striking an obstacle during low-level operations.
Findings
tree strike during a turn while conducting spraying operations
The helicopter rolled onto its left side with the engine still operating
A grass fire erupted and destroyed the helicopter
Pilot error related to speed or haste during the maneuver
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree during a turn while conducting agricultural spraying operations, which resulted in a collision and subsequent aircraft destruction.
