Bell 47-G3B2 N8AG

Summary

On 11 February 2004 at about 17:30 local time, a Bell 47-G3B2 registered N8AG was involved in an accident near Salome, Arizona, United States. 2 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

11 February 2004 at 17:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Salome, Arizona, United States

Coordinates

33.6133, -113.6239

Aircraft

Bell 47-G3B2

Registration

N8AG

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Wickenburg → Salome

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX04CA121

Nobody was injured.

the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate clearance from trees while approaching the landing zone.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The helicopter collided with a tree while attempting to land. The pilot obtained a weather briefing prior to his departure. The briefer reported turbulent winds in the area but indicated that he did not believe there would be gusty wind conditions in the intended landing area. The landing zone was a paved area about 200 feet wide and 300 feet long surrounded by trees, with a hill located to the north. The pilot said that while making the approach, about 25 feet above ground level, a "violent" gust of wind turned the helicopter 90 degrees to the left, and flipped it on its side. The helicopter impacted a tree. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the helicopter prior to the accident.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.