N51582

On October 8, 1996, at 0915 hours Pacific daylight time, a Texas Helicopter OH-13E, N51582, collided with terrain after an in-flight loss of control during the initial takeoff climb about 2 miles west of Santa Rita, California. The helicopter sustained substantial damage and the certificated commercial pilot was not injured. The helicopter was being operated by Gomes Farm Air Service, Salinas, California, as an aerial application flight under 14 CFR Part 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.

According to the pilot, following a landing next to his service truck, he got out of the helicopter to speak with the farmer. His loader serviced the helicopter with a pesticide. The pilot said that both he and the loader failed to notice the 50-foot loading hose was still attached to the helicopter. He lifted off with the helicopter tethered by the hose. When the hose became taunt, the helicopter rolled over, descended and collided with level terrain.