On August 11, 2001, a Bell 47G-4A (registration N4262Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Strathmore, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate visual lookout while maneuvering during an aerial application flight. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
While returning from a spray run, a helicopter struck a wire 15 feet above ground, causing loss of control and a crash. The pilot had seen poles but not the line.
Accident Overview
An aerial application helicopter was involved in an accident after striking a wire during a low-altitude flight. The pilot had completed a spray run and was returning to the truck when the aircraft flew into a wire located in the middle of the field, approximately 15 feet above the ground. Following the impact, the pilot lost control of the helicopter, which subsequently crashed and came to rest on its right side.
Pilot Observations
Prior to the mishap, the pilot had observed poles in the area but had not seen the line that was struck during the low-altitude pass. The wire was not visible to the pilot before the collision.
Mechanical Assessment
No mechanical malfunctions or failures associated with the operation of the helicopter were indicated. The aircraft was functioning normally up to the moment of the wire strike.