Pilot Debrief

BELL 47G-3B-2 near Ocean Shores, WA — 2009-07-07

Final reportWPR09CA331
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Date
2009-07-07
Location
Ocean Shores, WA, USA
Airport
KW04
Aircraft
BELL 47G-3B-2
Registration
N8169J
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

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

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.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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