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Casualties unknown

Helicopter Collides with Field During Agricultural Application Maneuver (N115B)

Nipomo, CA, US

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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jun 1995 Bell 47G-2 accident near Nipomo, CA?

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.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jun 1995 involved a Bell 47G-2, registration N115B, at Nipomo, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03747. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.