Bell 47G-3B-2 N8169J

Summary

On 7 July 2009 at about 12:30 local time, a Bell 47G-3B-2 registered N8169J, operated by Farm & Forest Helicopter Service Inc, was involved in an accident near Ocean Shores, Washington, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

7 July 2009 at 12:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Ocean Shores, Washington, United States

Nearest airport

Ocean Shores Municipal Airport (KW04)

Coordinates

47.0022, -124.1394

Aircraft

Bell 47G-3B-2

Registration

N8169J

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Farm & Forest Helicopter Service Inc

Operating rule

Part 137: Agricultural

Purpose of flight

Aerial Application

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Ocean Shores → Ocean Shores

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Dawn

NTSB number

WPR09CA331

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the water while maneuvering due to the pilot's diverted attention.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

While maneuvering low over the harbor for an aerial application flight the pilot directed his attention inside of the helicopter to program the global positioning system (GPS). Subsequently, the helicopter impacted the water in a level upright position. Despite the pilot's control inputs the engine lost power and the helicopter slowly started to settle and roll onto its left side. The helicopter's main rotor blades, tail rotor blades, and the main rotor head assembly were damaged. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter's flight control system or engine prior to the accident.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.