Bell 47G-5 N6260C

Summary

On 7 February 2001 at about 16:30 local time, a Bell 47G-5 registered N6260C was involved in an accident near Pixley, California, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

7 February 2001 at 16:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Pixley, California, United States

Coordinates

35.9214, -119.3039

Aircraft

Bell 47G-5

Registration

N6260C

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 137: Agricultural

Purpose of flight

Aerial Application

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Pixley → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX01LA093

Nobody was injured.

A loss of control during takeoff due to the helicopter's heavy gross weight condition that exceeded its lifting capability.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot took off from a truck-mounted platform to spray a nearby field. He was only able to gain a few feet above the ground before losing control and settling into the ground. No mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported by the pilot. At the time of the flight, the helicopter was being operated under a restricted airworthiness certificate, and it was between 80 and 100 pounds over its maximum certificated gross weight. Because of its heavy weight condition, the pilot was unable to sustain flight.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.