Pilot Debrief

Bell 206 near Oxnard, CA — 2019-05-04

Final reportWPR19LA135
Sign in to save
Date
2019-05-04
Location
Oxnard, CA, USA
Airport
OXR
Aircraft
Bell 206
Registration
N49643
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot’s inability to maintain control of the helicopter while maneuvering at a low altitude due to reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.

NTSB narrative

The operator reported that this was the helicopters third flight of the day. However, this was the first paint material load of the day. As the pilot made his third pass over the greenhouses, he noticed that he was using more left cyclic to maintain level flight. He continued to spray in attempt to correct any load imbalances, however, the helicopter continued to lean further to the right. The pilot maneuvered away from the greenhouses. The helicopter’s right turn continued to increase until it impacted the ground at about a 45o bank. A post impact fire ensued and completely consumed the helicopter. The operator further reported that the helicopter was equipped with 2, 60-gallon mixture tanks mounted on each side of the aircraft. The tanks were connected through a transfer equalizing tube which fed a centrally located electric pump. The pump then sent the wash through the spray booms. The operator mentioned that they believe one of the mixture tanks stopped transferring, which would cause the helicopter to be imbalanced. Due to the destruction of the helicopter during impact and the post impact fire there was not enough evidence to determine if there were any mechanical anomalies with the helicopter or spray system.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the spray operation when imbalance was first noticed.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

Related mishaps