On June 13, 1999, a Bell 47G-3B-1 (registration N64292) was involved in an aviation accident near Austin, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. Factors associated with the accident were the low altitude of the helicopter, which precluded an emergency autorotation, and the crop field. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During an aerial application maneuver, a helicopter lost engine power at low altitude. The pilot attempted a run-on landing, during which the helicopter nosed down. Post-accident examination found no preimpact mechanical anomalies.
Incident Overview
During an aerial application maneuver, the helicopter experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot reported that the helicopter was traveling at approximately 40 MPH at an altitude of 5 to 10 feet above the ground when the power loss occurred.
Pilot Actions
Due to the low altitude, the pilot stated that an autorotational landing was not possible. Instead, he attempted a run-on landing. However, during the landing, the helicopter nosed down.
Examination Results
An examination of the helicopter after the incident failed to reveal any preimpact mechanical anomalies. No further details regarding the aircraft's condition or the cause of the power loss were provided in the source material.