On 19 Jul 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