Bell 47G-3B N8468E

Summary

On 1 July 2008 at about 13:00 local time, a Bell 47G-3B registered N8468E was involved in an accident near Mullen, Nebraska, United States. One person was 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

1 July 2008 at 13:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Mullen, Nebraska, United States

Nearest airport

Hooker County Airport (KMHN)

Coordinates

42.0431, -101.0672

Aircraft

Bell 47G-3B

Registration

N8468E

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 137: Agricultural

Purpose of flight

Aerial Application

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

DFW08CA188

Nobody was injured.

The plot's distraction with the chemical load resulting the failure to maintain control of the helicopter. A factor was no suitable terrain for landing.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The airline transport rated pilot was performing his third takeoff of the day with a full load of chemicals on an aerial application flight. On initial climb the helicopter did not have sufficient power to maintain the climb and began to settle. The helicopter settled into a lake in approximately 5 1/2 feet of water. The helicopter remained upright and sustained substantial damage to the drive train and rotor system as well as extensive water damage. The pilot, sole occupant, was not injured and was able to egress unassisted. The pilot stated in the Pilot / Operator Accident / Incident Report that the accident could have been prevented if he would have paid more attention to flying the helicopter than being concerned with mixing and loading of chemicals.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.