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NTSB Report
July 31, 2011 · Bell 47G 5 · N6260C
Porterville, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 31, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Porterville, CA
Aircraft
Bell 47G 5
Tail Number
N6260C
Operator
Agra Fly
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR11CA394
The pilot reported that during the agricultural operation he landed the helicopter into the wind to reload with fuel and agricultural chemicals. While the loader was mixing the chemicals, the pilot noted that the wind shifted to a tailwind condition. The pilot also noted that the rotor blades were dirty, but he forgot to clean them before departure. During the takeoff, the helicopter was unable to gain any lift and it started to sink back to the ground. The helicopter impacted the ground moments after takeoff with a slight nose low attitude which resulted in the skids collapsing and the main rotor blades contacting the tailboom. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's decision to takeoff in a tailwind condition, and his subsequent failure to attain sufficient lift during the takeoff.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that during the agricultural operation he landed the helicopter into the wind to reload with fuel and agricultural chemicals. While the loader was mixing the chemicals, the pilot noted that the wind shifted to a tailwind condition. The pilot also noted that the rotor blades were dirty, but he forgot to clean them before departure. During the takeoff, the helicopter was unable to gain any lift and it started to sink back to the ground. The helicopter impacted the ground moments after takeoff with a slight nose low attitude which resulted in the skids collapsing and the main rotor blades contacting the tailboom. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 PDT
Nearest AirportPorterville Municipal Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47G 5
Tail NumberN6260C
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAgra Fly
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO435 · Reciprocating · 265
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 67 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Weather SourcePILO