Bell 47D1 N78900

Summary

On 12 November 1995 at about 19:30 local time, a Bell 47D1 registered N78900, operated by Lewis Aviation, was involved in an accident near Shafter, California, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 died. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

12 November 1995 at 19:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Shafter, California, United States

Coordinates

35.4898, -119.3009

Aircraft

Bell 47D1

Registration

N78900

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Lewis Aviation

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX96FA045

2 people died.

the pilot misjudged the altitude and ground clearance while performing an unwarranted low altitude flight maneuver.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The helicopter was certificated in the restricted category for aerial applications. The pilot completed several aerial application flights, including a water rinsing procedure. The pilot's brother, who had been performing flagging duties, boarded the helicopter after the water rinsing flight. During the flight, the spray boom struck the ground and the helicopter collided with the terrain. The helicopter erupted into flames when it came to rest. The postaccident wreckage examination disclosed no evidence of any preimpact airframe or engine malfunctions or failures.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.