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NTSB Report
April 27, 2012 · Bell 206B · N16EP
Hershey, PA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 27, 2012
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Hershey, PA
Aircraft
Bell 206B
Tail Number
N16EP
Operator
Ag Air
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA12CA304
The pilot reported that before the accident flight, there was a trainee pilot in the agricultural application helicopter who preferred no friction on the controls. Once the trainee pilot left, the accident pilot forgot to adjust the control friction. During the accident flight, the helicopter was spraying a wheat field at 55 mph and about 10 feet above the ground. The pilot let go of the collective to adjust the helicopter's computer. The collective subsequently lowered and the helicopter impacted terrain, coming to rest on its side, with the tail boom separated. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have prevented normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's diverted attention while performing aerial application at low altitude, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to adjust the control friction to the position he was accustomed.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that prior to the accident flight, there was a trainee pilot in the agricultural application helicopter, who preferred no friction on the controls. Once the trainee left, the pilot forgot to adjust the control friction. During the accident flight, the helicopter was spraying a wheat field at 55 mph, about 10 feet above the ground. The pilot let go of the collective to adjust the helicopter's "Crophawk" computer. The collective subsequently lowered and the helicopter impacted terrain. The pilot added that there were no preimact mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that during the impact, the tailboom separated and the helicopter came to rest on its right side.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:45 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 206B
Tail NumberN16EP
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAg Air
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · 250-C20B · Turboshaft · 420
Seats5
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · Second Class · Serious
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 14 kt, gusting 22 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 4800 ft
Temperature / Dew Point48 / 27 C
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time12:56
Weather SourceWFAC