Accident Details
Date
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
NTSB Number
WPR11CA339
Location
Watsonville, CA
Event ID
20110720X52306
Coordinates
36.908889, -121.673889
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a pole while maneuvering during an aerial application flight.
Aircraft Information
Registration
N1375X
Make
BELL
Serial Number
7840
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Registered Owner (Historical)
Name
GOMES FARM AIR SERVICE INC
Address
PO BOX 7547
Status
Deregistered
City
SPRECKELS
State / Zip Code
CA 93962-7547
Country
United States
Analysis
The pilot was spraying water on a field to wash the hopper tank for the next load of chemicals. On the second pass the pilot attempted to clear a wire that ran perpendicular to his flight path by descending beneath it at an altitude of approximately 5 feet. The pilot reported that the outer end of one main rotor blade struck the pole and the helicopter hit the ground and rolled over.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR11CA339