On July 19, 2014, a BELL 206B B3 operated by R&B Helicopters was involved in an aviation accident near Salinas, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate clearance from ground obstacles during takeoff which resulted in loss of aircraft control. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A helicopter experienced a dynamic rollover during repositioning after landing in a field, when its right spray boom caught on a sprinkler head riser. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom and main rotor blades.
Accident Details
The pilot reported landing in a field that contained irrigation sprinkler pipes arranged in rows. During takeoff and forward movement to reposition the helicopter, the right side spray boom caught on one of the sprinkler head risers. This contact triggered a dynamic rollover of the helicopter to the right. The helicopter came to rest on its right side.
Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the tail boom and damage to the main rotor blades. No other damage items were reported.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the helicopter. The incident appears to have resulted solely from the contact between the spray boom and the sprinkler riser during the repositioning maneuver.
Contributing factors
Causes
PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained
Other contributing factors
Contributed to outcome
Related events
Same aircraft family
18 Sep 2026 — BELL 206B-III (Greenwood Helicopters INC)
30 Jul 2026 — BELL 206
29 Jul 2026 — BELL 206L-3 (Air Evac Ems INC)
23 Jul 2026 — BELL 206
21 Jul 2026 — BELL 206B (Industrial Helicopters LLC)
17 Jul 2026 — BELL 206B (Helicopter Services OF Illinois LLC)
14 Jun 2026 — BELL 206
12 Jun 2026 — BELL 206
23 May 2026 — BELL 206-L4 (Southern Utah University)
What happened in the 19 Jul 2014 BELL 206B B3 accident near Salinas, CA?
A helicopter experienced a dynamic rollover during repositioning after landing in a field, when its right spray boom caught on a sprinkler head riser. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom and main rotor blades.
Were there any fatalities in the 19 Jul 2014 BELL 206B B3 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Jul 2014 involved a BELL 206B B3, operated by R&B Helicopters, at Salinas, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate clearance from ground obstacles during takeoff which resulted in loss of aircraft control.
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