Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees while in a low hover.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that before departing for a local flight, he repositioned the helicopter to the fuel station. While preparing to refuel, the pilot discovered the fueling hose was too short to reach the helicopter. The pilot instructed the passenger to exit the helicopter so he could reposition it closer to the fuel pump. After lifting into a low hover, the helicopter turned, and the main rotor blades struck a tree. The helicopter then impacted a second tree. The pilot maneuvered the helicopter away from the fuel station, landed hard, and the helicopter rolled onto its side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and main rotor blades.
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA247 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 3, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Springtown, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Kezer Air Ranch (61TE)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 47G
- N-number
- N7985A
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1958
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.