On February 1, 1989, a Bell 47G-3B2 (registration N2918W) operated by Agri-fly Services, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Strathmore, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS BY THE PILOT, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE SERVICE TRUCK. FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE UNFAVORABLE (VARIABLE) AND GUSTY WIND CONDITIONS AND CLOSE PROXIMITY OF THE SERVICE VEHICLE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a hovering maneuver after lifting off with an external load, a helicopter encountered a gust of wind. The load swung and snagged on a service truck, pulling the helicopter down into a collision. The pilot and a ground loading assistant were injured.
Overview
A helicopter collided with a service truck during a hovering maneuver after lifting off with an external load. The incident occurred when a gust of wind caused the external load to swing and snag on the truck, pulling the helicopter down.
Sequence of Events
According to the investigation, the helicopter had just lifted off with an external load and was performing a hovering maneuver when a gust of wind was encountered. The external load subsequently swung and became snagged on a service truck. This caused the helicopter to be pulled downward, resulting in a collision with the truck.
Injuries
The pilot suffered broken ribs and a minor head injury. A ground loading assistant received minor injuries.
Investigation
No preimpact mechanical failure or malfunction was reported. No probable cause has been explicitly stated by the investigation.