Summary
On February 07, 2001, a Bell 47G-5 (N6260C) was involved in an incident near Pixley, CA. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: A loss of control during takeoff due to the helicopter's heavy gross weight condition that exceeded its lifting capability.
On February 7, 2001, about 0830 hours Pacific standard time, a Bell 47G-5, N6260C, took off from a truck-mounted platform, climbed a few feet, settled into the ground, and rolled over. The helicopter was operated by Slykerman Ag Aviation, and it was substantially damaged. The commercial certificated pilot was not injured during the agricultural application flight near Pixley, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight was performed under 14 CFR Part 137 and was originating at the time of the mishap.
The pilot reported that no mechanical malfunctions or failures were experienced in his restricted category helicopter.
This incident is documented in NTSB report LAX01LA093. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N6260C.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
A loss of control during takeoff due to the helicopter's heavy gross weight condition that exceeded its lifting capability.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On February 7, 2001, about 0830 hours Pacific standard time, a Bell 47G-5, N6260C, took off from a truck-mounted platform, climbed a few feet, settled into the ground, and rolled over. The helicopter was operated by Slykerman Ag Aviation, and it was substantially damaged. The commercial certificated pilot was not injured during the agricultural application flight near Pixley, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight was performed under 14 CFR Part 137 and was originating at the time of the mishap.
The pilot reported that no mechanical malfunctions or failures were experienced in his restricted category helicopter. He indicated that, about the time of the mishap, the speed of the local surface wind was between zero and 5 knots.
The Federal Aviation Administration coordinator verbally reported that the helicopter appeared to have been operated between 80 and 100 pounds over its maximum certificated gross weight. He opined that this weight condition may have contributed to the helicopter's inability to sustain flight as the pilot attempted to pass through translational lift.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX01LA093