N6260C

Substantial
None

BELL 47GS/N: 7952

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, July 31, 2011
NTSB Number
WPR11CA394
Location
Porterville, CA
Event ID
20110822X51818
Coordinates
36.058887, -119.016670
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 decision to takeoff in a tailwind condition, and his subsequent failure to attain sufficient lift during the takeoff.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
BELL
Serial Number
7952
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
47GB47G
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1
Seats
3
FAA Model
47G-5

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
SLYKERMAN JOHN A
Address
PO BOX 2342
City
BAKERSFIELD
State / Zip Code
CA 93303-2342
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that during the agricultural operation he landed the helicopter into the wind to reload with fuel and agricultural chemicals. While the loader was mixing the chemicals, the pilot noted that the wind shifted to a tailwind condition. The pilot also noted that the rotor blades were dirty, but he forgot to clean them before departure. During the takeoff, the helicopter was unable to gain any lift and it started to sink back to the ground. The helicopter impacted the ground moments after takeoff with a slight nose low attitude which resulted in the skids collapsing and the main rotor blades contacting the tailboom. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR11CA394