On June 18, 1995, a Bell 47G-2 (registration N115B) was involved in an aviation accident near Nipomo, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper handling of the helicopter by her failure to maintain an adequate airspeed for the attempted maneuver resulting in an uncontrolled descent and subsequent collision with the ground. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter conducting an aerial application of a Category II fungicide lost control during a maneuvering turn and collided with a cultivated field. The helicopter was in a downwind condition and settled to the ground. No mechanical failures were reported.
Accident Overview
A helicopter conducting an aerial agricultural application of a Category II fungicide lost control during a maneuvering turn. The aircraft then collided with a cultivated field. At the time of the accident, the helicopter was carrying about 50 gallons of fungicide. No mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported by the pilot prior to the accident.
Downwind Condition and Loss of Control
The accident occurred while the helicopter was turning. During this turn, the helicopter was in a downwind condition. The helicopter settled to the ground during the turn. The pilot indicated that the loss of control happened during this maneuvering turn.
Pilot's Account
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical issues with the helicopter before the accident. The pilot lost control during the turn while applying the fungicide. The helicopter subsequently settled and collided with the ground. The pilot reported that the helicopter had no pre-existing mechanical failures.