N35BL

On April 25, 1994, at 1630 Pacific daylight time, a Bell 206B, N35BL, collided with transmission wires shortly after takeoff and en route to a field for an aerial application flight near Summerville, Oregon. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter was destroyed and the commercial pilot received minor injuries.

The pilot reported during a telephone interview and subsequent written statement, that he had just taken off from the loading truck with a load of Pencapp chemical to spray on the nearby field. The helicopter was approximately 100 yards away from the truck and 20 feet above ground level when the helicopter struck the bottom two of three transmission wires. The pilot was unable to maintain control and the helicopter collided with the ground 100 yards beyond the wires. The pilot reported that he was aware of the wires in the area, but because of the overcast sky, he was unable to see the wires because of the grey background.

The chemical on board did spill from the tanks and was confined to a small area.