What happened
On March 26, 2016, a Bell 206B helicopter, registration N52Q, was conducting a rehearsal flight under 14 CFR Part 137 regulations near Hanford, California. The pilot was in the process of familiarizing himself with the Satlock aerial application system.
While flying at approximately 60 miles per hour at an altitude of 10 feet above ground level, the pilot removed his hand from the collective control to advance to the next screen on the Satlock display. This action caused the collective to decrease, which reduced the main rotor blade angle and engine power. Consequently, the aircraft descended and struck the terrain, rolling several times before coming to a stop. The accident resulted in one minor injury and no fatalities. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the power train, rotor systems, and frame.
The investigation
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies or failures present in the helicopter before or during the flight that would have interfered with normal operations. Weather conditions at the time were visual meteorological conditions (VMC) with a visibility of 10 statute miles and winds from 270 degrees at 4 knots.