Bell OH 58A
Colexico, CA — February 19, 2020
Event Information
| Date | February 19, 2020 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR20CA092 |
| Event ID | 20200219X80403 |
| Location | Colexico, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 33.13334, -115.70000 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Bell |
| Model | OH 58A |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 137 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | NITE |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to arrest the descent rate while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in impact with terrain.
Full Narrative
The commercial pilot reported that during an aerial application flight, he sprayed a row on the field and climbed to avoid wires on the south side of the field. He then made a right turn and began his descent back to the field. After he cleared the wires, he entered the field on the spray line and began raising the collective. He noticed that the torque gauge was responding, however, the rate of descent was not being halted and the helicopter subsequently impacted the ground and came to rest on its right side.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.