Pilot Debrief

ARROW FALCON EXPORTERS INC OH58 near Escalon, CA — 2012-08-27

Final reportWPR12LA371
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Date
2012-08-27
Location
Escalon, CA, USA
Aircraft
ARROW FALCON EXPORTERS INC OH58
Registration
N503DR
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during a low-altitude agricultural application, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with the ground.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was finishing an agricultural application to an orchard when a witness observed the helicopter enter a steep right bank and then descend into the orchard. The helicopter was found lying on its right side, and several trees near the wreckage were damaged. The pilot could not recall the circumstances of the accident. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. It is likely that, during the application, the pilot did not maintain sufficient clearance from the trees, which resulted in a collision with the trees, loss of control, and subsequent impact with the ground.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided steep bank maneuver before losing control.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 9 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents9

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