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NTSB Report
March 29, 2019 · Bell 206 B · N83181
Valley Center, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 29, 2019
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 unknown outcome
Location
Valley Center, CA
Aircraft
Bell 206 B (1973)
Tail Number
N83181
Operator
Hummingbirds
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA19CA186
The helicopter pilot reported that, during reloading operations for an agricultural spray flight and while boarding the helicopter, which was positioned on top of the loading truck's platform, he saw that the load fill hose was not connected to the helicopter. However, before starting the helicopter, and unknown to the pilot, the ground crew connected the hose. During takeoff, the helicopter rotated about 180º to the right, the helicopter's right skid struck the truck's hood, and the helicopter then rolled right and impacted terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The ground crew’s attachment of the load fill hose to the helicopter without telling the pilot, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control during takeoff.
Full Narrative
The helicopter pilot reported that, during the reloading operation for an agricultural spray flight, while boarding the helicopter positioned on top of the truck's platform, he saw that the load fill hose was not connected to the helicopter. However, prior to starting the helicopter, and unknown to the pilot, the groundcrew connected the hose. During takeoff, the helicopter rotated about 180º to the right, the helicopter's right skid struck the hood of the truck, the helicopter rolled to the right and impacted the terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:15 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 206 B
Tail NumberN83181
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHummingbirds
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · 250c20b · Turboshaft · 420
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 unknown outcome
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 72 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 3 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 C / 36 C
Altimeter30.15 inHg
Observation Time13:53
Weather SourceWFAC