Pilot Debrief

Bell OH 58A near Colexico, CA — 2020-02-19

Final reportWPR20CA092
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Date
2020-02-19
Location
Colexico, CA, USA
Aircraft
Bell OH 58A
Registration
N288NS
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to arrest the descent rate while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during an agricultural application flight, he sprayed a row on the field and then climbed the helicopter to avoid wires on the south side of the field. He then turned the helicopter right and began to descend back to the field. After he cleared the wires, he entered the field's spray line and began raising the collective and noticed that the torque gauge was responding; however, he failed to arrest the descent, and the helicopter subsequently impacted terrain and came to rest on its right side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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