Accident Details
On September 3, 2010, about 0600 Pacific daylight time, a Bell 47G-5 helicopter (N4427F) was substantially damaged following impact with terrain near Salinas, California. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was seriously injured. The helicopter was operated by Gomes Farm Air Service of Salinas under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed. The repositioning flight had departed Salinas Municipal Airport (SNS) about 0550, destined for an off-airport work site approximately 3 miles west of SNS.
Pilot Statements
According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspector who conducted a telephone interview with the pilot shortly after the accident, the pilot reported that he was flying about 50 feet above the ground and was concerned about power lines hidden by fog. He then climbed to about 80 feet above ground level (agl), entering the fog. When he turned on the landing light to illuminate ground references and identify power lines, it caused a temporary blinding condition that led to disorientation. The pilot stated that he attempted a 180-degree turn toward the airport, resulting in a loss of control and impact with the highway pavement. He reported no mechanical problems with the helicopter.
In a written report submitted to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge several days later, the pilot provided additional details. Abeam the airport control tower at an altitude of about 75 feet mean sea level (msl) and after turning west toward the interstate highway bordering the airport on the west, he could clearly see a sugar plant about 2 miles away. After reaching the interstate, he climbed to 100 feet msl and remained clear of clouds with visibility of 2 miles or more. When the helicopter was over the interstate median strip between northbound and southbound lanes, visibility began to deteriorate. At this point, he decided to turn around and return to the airport, and descend to re-establish visual contact with ground references. During the descent and course reversal, the tail section of the helicopter collided with a guard rail on the highway. The helicopter then impacted the highway pavement and came to rest inverted, partially in a southbound lane. The airframe sustained substantial damage.
Witness Account
A truck driver traveling southbound on the interstate reported seeing the helicopter approaching from the right side, moving from side to side. The witness stated that the helicopter impacted the terrain and rolled over, coming to rest partially inverted. She added that forward visibility at the time was about 250 feet and it was very foggy.
Weather Information
The SNS Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) reported special observations at 0546 and 0553. Conditions included calm wind, visibility 2.5 miles, mist, overcast clouds at 100 feet, temperature 13°C, dew point 12°C, and altimeter settings of 29.96 and 29.97 inches of Mercury, respectively.