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Helicopter Settles into Lake During Aerial Application Takeoff

Mullen, NE, United States

On July 1, 2008, a Bell 47G-3B operated by Thedford Air Service, LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Mullen, NE. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The plot's distraction with the chemical load resulting the failure to maintain control of the helicopter. A factor was no suitable terrain for landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During an aerial application flight, a helicopter on its third takeoff with a full chemical load lacked sufficient power to climb and settled into a lake. The pilot was uninjured.

Accident Summary

An airline transport rated pilot was performing his third takeoff of the day with a full load of chemicals on an aerial application flight. During the initial climb, the helicopter did not have sufficient power to maintain the climb and began to settle. The helicopter settled into a lake in approximately 5 1/2 feet of water. The helicopter remained upright.

Damage

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the drive train and rotor system as well as extensive water damage.

Pilot's Report

The pilot, sole occupant, was not injured and was able to egress unassisted. In the Pilot / Operator Accident / Incident Report, the pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if he would have paid more attention to flying the helicopter than being concerned with mixing and loading of chemicals.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pilot

Other contributing factors

Water

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Jul 2008 Bell 47G-3B accident near Mullen, NE?

During an aerial application flight, a helicopter on its third takeoff with a full chemical load lacked sufficient power to climb and settled into a lake. The pilot was uninjured.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Jul 2008 Bell 47G-3B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Jul 2008 involved a Bell 47G-3B, operated by Thedford Air Service, LLC, at Mullen, NE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The plot's distraction with the chemical load resulting the failure to maintain control of the helicopter. A factor was no suitable terrain for landing.

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