FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Helicopter skid strikes bush during initial climb (N2616B)

Pollock Pines, CA, US

On November 2, 2002, a Bell 47G-2 (registration N2616B) operated by D. C. Rotor & Wing was involved in an aviation accident near Pollock Pines, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain and obstacles during the initial climb, which resulted in the skids colliding with a bush. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter collided with a bush while climbing from a plateau at 3,500 feet MSL. The pilot increased collective pitch to accelerate toward effective translational lift when the skid struck the vegetation.

What happened

The accident occurred during the initial climb phase of flight from a plateau situated at an elevation of 3,500 feet mean sea level. As the helicopter ascended, its skids made contact with a bush that stood approximately three feet high. Following this impact, the aircraft experienced an uncommanded yawing motion and subsequently struck the ground.

The pilot provided a report detailing the sequence of events leading to the collision. He stated that he had increased the collective pitch control to gain altitude and was accelerating the helicopter to approximately 20 knots. This maneuver was intended to help the aircraft acquire effective translational lift, a critical phase in helicopter flight dynamics where forward airspeed reduces the power required to maintain hover.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain and obstacles during the initial climb, which resulted in the skids colliding with a bush.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Nov 2002 Bell 47G-2 accident near Pollock Pines, CA?

A helicopter collided with a bush while climbing from a plateau at 3,500 feet MSL. The pilot increased collective pitch to accelerate toward effective translational lift when the skid struck the vegetation.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Nov 2002 involved a Bell 47G-2, registration N2616B, operated by D. C. Rotor & Wing, at Pollock Pines, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain and obstacles during the initial climb, which resulted in the skids colliding with a bush.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021108X05455. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.