Bell UH-1H accident near Frenchville, PA
On May 16, 2000, a Bell UH-1H (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Frenchville, PA. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- May 16, 2000
- Place
- Frenchville, PA
- Aircraft
- Bell UH-1H · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 41.140°N, 78.241°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001212X21095
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On May 16, 2000, about 1900 Eastern Daylight Time, a former military, Bell UH-1H, N52AG, was substantially damaged when it impacted a hill near Frenchville, Pennsylvania, while spraying a non-toxic agent. The certificated commercial pilot was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a company flight log was used to track the helicopter while spraying. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 137, and originated from a remote landing zone (LZ) approximately 2.6 miles from the accident site. According to witnesses, The helicopter was on its fourth gypsy moth spray mission of the day, and the pilot's 51st spray mission for the season, when the accident occurred. According to a witness, the pilot got a "good night's rest" got up, and then flew from Tallman West Airport, Dauphin, Pennsylvania, to the Clearfield-Lawrence Airport, Clearfield, Pennsylvania, arriving between 1000 and 1030. Plans were then developed for the spray missions scheduled for that afternoon and early evening. About 1615, the pilot flew to the planned LZ, and waited for support personnel, who arrived, about 1645. A forester was then sent to the spray area to check weather. He reported that conditions were suitable for spraying, and the helicopter departed on the first mission, at 1707. The helicopter returned from the first mission, was refueled, and 300 gallons of spray was loaded. It departed on the second mission, at 1750. The helicopter returned from the second mission, was refueled again, and loaded with another 300 gallons of spray before departing on the thi
Probable cause
Foreign object damage to the compressor and turbine sections of the engine, which resulted in a loss of power.
More accidents in PA
- Boeing B-737-300, Sep 8, 1994
- Boeing 757, Sep 11, 2001
- British Aerospace J-3101, May 21, 2000
- Bell UH-1N, May 29, 2008
- Beech A36, Jul 30, 1989
Browse: Pennsylvania · Bell aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
