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Casualties unknown

Helicopter Collides with Ground During Agricultural Spray Turn (N110DT)

Buttonwillow, CA, US

On May 31, 2001, a Bell 47G-4A (registration N110DT) was involved in an aviation accident near Buttonwillow, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning that resulted in settling with power during an aerial application turn-to-reverse direction and collision with the ground. Factors were high density altitude and a wind shift. 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

During an aerial application turn, a helicopter experienced settling with power and collided with the ground. The pilot cited high temperatures, a wind shift, and a steep turn as factors.

Incident Overview

A helicopter conducting aerial application operations was involved in an accident while executing a turn to reverse direction for continued spraying. According to the pilot, the aircraft began settling with power during the maneuver and subsequently collided with the ground.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that temperatures were "near triple digit" Fahrenheit, and a wind shift occurred during the flight. The turn was described as a steep 180-degree reversal. The pilot noted that the power settling could not be arrested before impact. Additionally, the pilot stated that the temperature over the unplanted field where the reverse turn was being performed was higher than over the corn field that had been previously sprayed.

Circumstances

The accident occurred during an aerial application flight. No further details about the aircraft, injuries, or damage were provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 May 2001 Bell 47G-4A accident near Buttonwillow, CA?

During an aerial application turn, a helicopter experienced settling with power and collided with the ground. The pilot cited high temperatures, a wind shift, and a steep turn as factors.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 May 2001 involved a Bell 47G-4A, registration N110DT, at Buttonwillow, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning that resulted in settling with power during an aerial application turn-to-reverse direction and collision with the ground. Factors were high density altitude and a wind shift.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010601X01052. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.