Bell 206 N49643

Summary

On 4 May 2019 at about 16:45 local time, a Bell 206 registered N49643, operated by Aspen Ag Helicopters Inc, was involved in an accident near Oxnard, California, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

4 May 2019 at 16:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Oxnard, California, United States

Nearest airport

Oxnard Airport (OXR)

Coordinates

34.2203, -119.2239

Aircraft

Bell 206

Registration

N49643

Category

Helicopter

Year built

1975

Engines

1

Operator

Aspen Ag Helicopters Inc

Operating rule

Part 137: Agricultural

Purpose of flight

Aerial Application

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Oxnard → Oxnard

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR19LA135

1 person was seriously injured.

The pilot’s inability to maintain control of the helicopter while maneuvering at a low altitude due to reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The operator reported that this was the helicopters third flight of the day. However, this was the first paint material load of the day. As the pilot made his third pass over the greenhouses, he noticed that he was using more left cyclic to maintain level flight. He continued to spray in attempt to correct any load imbalances, however, the helicopter continued to lean further to the right. The pilot maneuvered away from the greenhouses. The helicopter’s right turn continued to increase until it impacted the ground at about a 45o bank. A post impact fire ensued and completely consumed the helicopter. The operator further reported that the helicopter was equipped with 2, 60-gallon mixture tanks mounted on each side of the aircraft. The tanks were connected through a transfer equalizing tube which fed a centrally located electric pump. The pump then sent the wash through the spray booms. The operator mentioned that they believe one of the mixture tanks stopped transferring, which would cause the helicopter to be imbalanced. Due to the destruction of the helicopter during impact and the post impact fire there was not enough evidence to determine if there were any mechanical anomalies with the helicopter or spray system.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.