Bell 206B
Oxnard, CA — March 11, 2008
Event Information
| Date | March 11, 2008 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | SEA08CA091 |
| Event ID | 20080403X00418 |
| Location | Oxnard, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 34.21361, -119.09417 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Bell |
| Model | 206B |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 137 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain during an aerial application.
Full Narrative
The pilot stated he was performing an aerial application on a celery crop with the skids about 24-inches above the tops of the crop. While in straight and level flight, the landing skids contacted the crop and the helicopter pitched forward. The front of the skids dug into terrain and the helicopter tumbled before it came to rest on its side. Examination of the helicopter revealed substantial damage to the fuselage and the tail boom was separated. No mechanical anomalies were noted with the engine or flight control system.
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.