Aircraft Was Reportedly Conducting An Aerial Application Of Mosquito Control Chemicals

The NTSB has released a preliminary report in an accident involving a Bell 47G-3B-1 helicopter that was engaged in a mosquito control flight when it impacted a residential garage and caught fire. The commercial-rated pilot of the aircraft, the only person on board, was fatally injured.

According to the report, on June 19, 2013, at 0812 central daylight time, a Bell 47G-3B-1 single-engine helicopter, N5024N, impacted a residential garage while maneuvering near Maplewood, Minnesota. The helicopter was destroyed by impact and post-crash fire. The helicopter was registered to and operated by Scotts Helicopter Services, Inc, Le Sueur, Minnesota, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated without a flight plan. The flight originated from a remote staging area at 0805.

According to the operator, the helicopter departed Flying Cloud Airport, Minneapolis, Minnesota, approximately 0730, and flew to a remote staging area near Maplewood to be loaded with a mosquito control dry chemical. The helicopter was loaded with 640 pounds of dry chemical and departed the staging area.

Witness observed the helicopter applying the chemical at one of the designated areas, which was located just south of the staging area. The helicopter was then observed to depart that location. Additional witnesses observed the helicopter traveling south to north near the accident location. The helicopter was observed to lose altitude, turn or roll to the left, and descend. Witnesses lost sight of the helicopter behind some residential houses.

The helicopter impacted a residential garage and a post-crash fire ensued. The helicopter came to rest on its left side, and the fuselage was consumed by fire. A portable global positioning system (GPS) was located in the wreckage and sent to the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Laboratory, Washington, DC, for examination and data extraction.

(Bell 47 pictured in file photo. Not accident aircraft)

FMI: www.ntsb.gov