Bell 47G 5A N715BH accident near Greenfield, California

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a power pole during low-altitude maneuvering flight.

NTSB analysis

During the 2 hours leading up to the accident, the pilot of the agriculture and pest control category helicopter had sprayed about 40 acres of crops, having refueled once. He stated that during the last pass of his current field he misjudged the distance between the main rotor blades and a power pole. The main rotor blades struck the pole, and the pilot performed a forced landing into the field. During the landing, the helicopter rolled over, sustaining substantial damage to the firewall, tailboom, and cabin structure. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation, and further stated that the accident could have been avoided if he had flown over the pole rather than attempting to fly around it.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14CA115 for the full record.