On May 25, 2005, a Bell 47G-4A (registration N110DT) was involved in an aviation accident near Bakersfield, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain clearance from the power lines. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter conducting aerial application struck power lines on its second pass over a potato field and crashed into an adjacent cotton field. The pilot reported seeing the lines just before impact.
Accident Details
A helicopter collided with power lines and crashed while performing aerial application operations. The incident occurred when the aircraft struck overhead lines and came to rest in a cotton field.
Flight Sequence
The pilot had completed the first pass from west to east across the northern end of a potato field. During the second pass, the helicopter encountered power lines running north and south along the western side of the potato field. The helicopter then descended into an adjacent cotton field.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that he observed the power lines immediately prior to striking them. No other information about the pilot's actions or the aircraft's condition was provided.
What happened in the 25 May 2005 Bell 47G-4A accident near Bakersfield, CA?
A helicopter conducting aerial application struck power lines on its second pass over a potato field and crashed into an adjacent cotton field. The pilot reported seeing the lines just before impact.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 May 2005 involved a Bell 47G-4A, registration N110DT, at Bakersfield, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain clearance from the power lines.
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