Accident Overview
On 12 July 2023, at approximately 10:05 local time, a Bell 47G-2 helicopter registered F-BIFN suffered a loss of yaw control while conducting a spraying flight near Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France. The helicopter was operated by Giragri 17 and was engaged in fertiliser spraying operations over rice fields. The sole occupant, the pilot, was severely injured, and the helicopter sustained substantial damage.
Flight History
The pilot began the spraying operation at around 07:40, assisted by a ground staff member. He completed 33 spraying rotations between 08:00 and 09:40. After refuelling for 12 minutes, he resumed spraying at 09:53. At the end of that rotation, while returning to the supply area, the pilot lost yaw control. The helicopter began yawing to the left, descended approximately 20 meters, and came to rest in a submerged part of a rice field. The pilot extricated himself and reached a dyke unaided.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the tail rotor drive shaft had ruptured in torsion at the junction between the main gearbox and the short front shaft. The tail rotor blades exhibited tip damage consistent with ground contact while the drive was still transmitting power. The main rotor blades also showed impact damage; one blade had multiple distortions and likely struck the ground first. The clutch, which had logged 1,555 flight hours, showed discolouration consistent with local heating. The manufacturer recommends an intermediate inspection every 600 hours and an overhaul every 1,200 hours; the last overhaul was in December 2021, with 306 hours accumulated since then. No pre-existing anomalies were found in the engine, fuel system, or flight controls, all of which were continuous and operational at impact.
Pilot Information
The 56-year-old pilot held a Commercial Pilot Licence (Helicopters) issued in 2014, with a Bell 47 rating renewed the day before the accident. He had logged 860 total helicopter flight hours, including 720 on the Bell 47. In the previous three months he flew 93 hours, all on the Bell 47. His instructor reported that the pilot demonstrated good knowledge and correct execution of exercises, and had been advised of risks associated with high heat.
Meteorological Conditions
Météo-France estimated light winds from the northeast at 2 knots, gusting to 8 knots, visibility greater than 10 km, clear sky, temperature 26°C, dew point 21°C, and QNH 1015 hPa. The pilot and ground staff reported light wind conditions.
Statements
The pilot stated that he felt a sudden left yaw movement, described as a "short sharp shock," about two rotations before the accident. He corrected it, but later, while returning with an empty tank at 40–50 knots and approximately 20 meters altitude, the helicopter began yawing left again. He applied right pedal, but it felt "very soft" and had no effect. The helicopter then spun rapidly left, and he lost yaw control. He reported a vertical descent with flat attitude and no bank. The ground staff member, who held a Commercial Pilot Licence, was present during operations.