Probable cause
The pilot's improper preflight planning which resulted in a jammed cyclic control while maneuvering.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the helicopter was in a three-foot hover, moving forward, when control was lost and the helicopter collided with terrain. The pilot reported the left cyclic control was removed prior to the flight; however, the protective cover was not installed. He stated that during the accident flight, test equipment (used for track and balance) "became entangled" at the left cyclic attach point and prevented full cyclic control.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for SEA08CA059 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 13, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- La Verna, California
- Nearest airport
- Brackett Field (POC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 206 B2
- N-number
- N49588
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.