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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

March 10, 1999 · Bell 206B · N901CA

Delhi, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 10, 1999
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Delhi, CA
Aircraft
Bell 206B
Tail Number
N901CA
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX99LA116

After spraying a field during an aerial application flight, the pilot returned to the helispot to reload. Approaching the helispot, he flew past 30-foot-tall almond trees and 10-foot-tall oleander bushes at a low altitude. Immediately thereafter the helicopter began yawing. The pilot stated that 'the tail rotor felt sluggish,' and control was lost. The pilot further reported that he believes the spray boom clipped the vegetation. The helicopter came to rest on its side. At the time of the accident, the local wind condition was described by both the pilot and a ground witness as being light and variable. The pilot did not assert that any mechanical malfunctions precipitated the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance while landing in proximity to high vegetation, which resulted in the inadvertent contact of the spray boom to the trees.

Full Narrative

On March 10, 1999, about 1055 hours Pacific standard time, a Bell 206B, N901CA, operated by Bettencourt Flying Service, Inc., collided with trees near Delhi, California, while performing an aerial application flight under 14 CFR Part 137. The helicopter was substantially damaged, and the commercial pilot received a minor injury. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The local area flight originated from Delhi about 1030. The pilot reported that seconds prior to the mishap, no cockpit annunciator lights were illuminating, no unusual vibrations were felt, fuel was in the tank, and the engine power was about 100 percent. The pilot said that after spraying a field, he was returning to the helispot to reload when he flew past 30-foot-tall almond trees and 10-foot-tall oleander bushes at a low altitude. Immediately thereafter the helicopter began yawing, the tail rotor felt sluggish, and control was lost. The helicopter came to rest on its right side. The pilot further reported that he believes the spray boom may have clipped the vegetation. At the time of the accident, the local wind condition was described by both the pilot and a ground witness as being light and variable. The pilot did not assert that any mechanical malfunctions precipitated the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:55 PST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206B
Tail NumberN901CA
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20 · Turboshaft · 420
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 36 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time02:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data