Bell 47G N9954F

Summary

On 24 May 1998 at about 23:15 local time, a Bell 47G registered N9954F was involved in an accident near Bixby, Oklahoma, United States. 2 people were on board and one died, one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

24 May 1998 at 23:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Bixby, Oklahoma, United States

Coordinates

35.9397, -95.8690

Aircraft

Bell 47G

Registration

N9954F

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Haskell → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW98FA238

1 person died.

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

Witnesses reported observing the helicopter flying 'slow,' at an altitude below 100 feet agl, from east to west along the Arkansas River. The helicopter 'struck power lines' that spanned the river, descended vertically, and impacted a sandbar. The witnesses also reported that the engine 'sounded okay and it continued to run' until ground contact. The passenger reported that 'when they saw the powerline tower supporting the cables that cross the river at the bridge on Memorial Boulevard, they talked and decided they would turn around and go back to Haskell.' The passenger stated he didn't see the other power line, which cross the river prior to the bridge, or remember striking them. The unmarked power line was an estimated 60 to 75 feet agl. The three lower wires of the power line were observed to be frayed. Linear scratching and dull gray metal transfers were found on sections of one wooden main rotor blade's leading edge and underside. The forward portion of the center vertical console also exhibited linear scratching. Continuity was established to all flight controls.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.