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NTSB Report

August 21, 2011 · Bell 47G-4 · N948DS

Los Banos, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 21, 2011
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Los Banos, CA
Aircraft
Bell 47G-4
Tail Number
N948DS
Operator
Double Springs
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR11CA398

The pilot was performing an agricultural application flight in the helicopter over a cantaloupe field. During the final pass along the field border, he observed bee boxes adjacent to power poles, and he shut off the spray applicator. After passing the boxes, he turned the spray applicator back on; his next recollection was of lying upside down in the field. Examination of the helicopter at the accident site revealed that the main rotor blades struck a set of wooden power poles at the 20-foot-level. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades and fuselage structure. The pilot reported that he had flown an application flight over the same field a week prior, and was aware of the location of the power poles. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power poles while maneuvering during low-altitude operations.

Full Narrative

The pilot was performing an agricultural application flight in the helicopter over a cantaloupe field. During the final pass along the field border, he observed bee boxes adjacent to power poles, and he shut off the spray applicator. After passing the boxes, he turned the spray applicator back on; his next recollection was of lying upside down in the field. Examination of the helicopter at the accident site revealed that the main rotor blades struck a set of wooden power poles at the 20-foot-level. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades and fuselage structure. The pilot reported that he had flown an application flight over the same field a week prior, and was aware of the location of the power poles. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time06:55 PDT
Nearest AirportLOSBANOS (5nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 47G-4
Tail NumberN948DS
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDouble Springs
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20B · Turboshaft · 420
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 40 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 3 kt
Visibility9 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 54
Altimeter29.89 inHg
Observation Time11:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data