What happened
On 26 April 2020, a Bell 47G-2 helicopter, registration F-GBOO, was conducting a mosquito control spraying mission near Sète, France. After completing several rotations of treating plots in the area, the pilot took off from a prepared helipad at approximately 11:49 to reach a new target area roughly five kilometers away.
While flying in a straight line at an altitude of approximately 20 meters, the pilot heard an unusual noise originating from the rear of the cockpit. Immediately following this sound, the aircraft began to yaw to the right. Despite the pilot applying full left pedal input and alternating between left and right pedals to regain directional control, the rotation continued. The helicopter spun approximately ten times before crashing on its left side into a field of reeds. The impact occurred at a low altitude, which prevented the pilot from performing an autorotation. Following the collision, a fire broke out in the right-hand fuel tank and spread to the engine compartment and main gearbox, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and one injury to the pilot.