On November 1, 1989, a Bell 47G-5 (registration N4798R) was involved in an aviation accident near Guadalupe, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain visual separation from a power pole while flying directly into the glare of the rising sun, despite being aware of the obstacle prior to flight. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter engaged in aerial application collided with a wooden power pole while flying directly into the rising sun, despite the pilot being aware of the obstacle prior to takeoff.
What happened
A helicopter operated as a crop duster was involved in an accident during aerial application operations. The incident occurred under visual meteorological conditions, which typically provide adequate visibility for such low-altitude work. At the time of the collision, the pilot was executing the sixth swath run on a southeasterly heading. This flight path directed the aircraft straight toward the rising sun on the horizon.
The helicopter collided with a wooden power pole. The pilot had previously identified the presence of this obstacle before commencing the flight. Despite this prior awareness, the collision occurred during the operational phase of the mission. No mechanical malfunction was reported by the pilot regarding the aircraft involved in the incident.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain visual separation from a power pole while flying directly into the glare of the rising sun, despite being aware of the obstacle prior to flight.