Accident Details
A Bell 206B helicopter was engaged in a passenger pickup operation at a housing construction site. The pilot intended to transport three passengers to an airport. After the third passenger boarded, the helicopter lifted into a hover and began a takeoff toward the southwest, traversing an approximately 300-foot grass area.
Sequence of Events
At an altitude of about 50 feet above ground level, as the helicopter achieved effective translational lift, the pilot lowered the collective control. Immediately thereafter, the pilot observed a wire appearing across the windscreen and riding upward. Subsequently, the helicopter impacted the ground, rolled onto its left side, and came to rest in that orientation.
Damage and Examination
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. Post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, and the pilot did not report any such issues.