Accident Summary
On August 10, 2014, at approximately 1015 central daylight time, a Bell 47G-2 helicopter, registration N4690, collided with terrain in a vacant area of a sugarcane field near Jeanerette, Louisiana. The helicopter was completely destroyed, and a small post-crash fire occurred. The commercial-rated pilot, who was the only person on board, sustained fatal injuries. The helicopter was operated by Penn-Tex Helicopter, Inc. of Jeanerette, Louisiana, under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 for agricultural operations. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and the flight operated without a flight plan.
Accident Sequence
A witness driving northbound reported seeing the helicopter flying from west to east at about 200 feet above ground level. The helicopter then descended to just above the sugarcane tops and pitched nose-down. Shortly after, the witness observed smoke and presumed the helicopter had crashed.
Aircraft Condition and Maintenance Issues
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors responded to the accident site. While no specific deficiency was identified at the location, the helicopter was considered to be in an unairworthy condition. Approximately three days before the accident, FAA inspectors had conducted a ramp check on the helicopter and found numerous discrepancies: the tailboom tube structure was cracked through, bolts were rusted and of improper lengths, the transmission chip light was disabled, the transmission gear showed signs of wear and a locknut had backed off, and multiple areas lacked proper lubrication. The inspectors deemed the helicopter in poor condition and unairworthy. A postcrash review of the helicopter's maintenance records revealed no discrepancies. The inspectors had planned further action regarding the pilot, who was also a licensed mechanic and maintained the helicopter, but the accident occurred before any action could be taken.