On May 15, 1991, a Bell 47-G3B1 (registration N2619B) operated by Agricultural Helicopter Serv. was involved in an aviation accident near Hughesville, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS AND THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF THE FORCED LANDING AREA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter experienced engine failure while returning to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for refueling and chemical pickup. The pilot initiated autorotation at 500 feet AGL, but the aircraft struck trees at a forest edge. A witness observed the helicopter's final maneuvers.
Incident Overview
A helicopter was returning to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to refuel and collect chemicals intended for gypsy moth spraying when its engine failed. The pilot reported initiating autorotation at an altitude of approximately 500 feet above ground level. The helicopter subsequently collided with trees at the edge of a forest.
Witness Account
A witness stated that they observed the helicopter execute a right turn at an altitude of about 10 feet over a field, as if preparing to land. The aircraft then proceeded down a gully toward the wooded area. The witness reported hearing the crash shortly thereafter.
Operational Context
The flight was part of an operation to spray gypsy moths. The pilot was returning to the departure point to refuel and pick up additional chemicals when the engine failure occurred.