Bell 47G-2 N88755 accident near Mettler, California

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to ensure the loading hose had been disconnected before takeoff, which resulted in an interrupted takeoff and subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the ground loader's failure to disconnect the hose before communicating with the pilot.

NTSB analysis

The pilot landed the helicopter on an agricultural loading platform mounted on top a support truck to load spray material. After the loading operation was complete, the pilot signaled the ground crew member to stop pumping the spray material. The ground crewmember then approached the helicopter to speak with the pilot. After their brief conversation, the pilot initiated takeoff without verifying the loading hose had been disconnected from the helicopter's spray system.

Upon realizing the hose remained attached, the pilot attempted to maintain a hover above the truck while the ground crewmember disconnected the hose. The ground crewmember was able to disconnect the hose; however, the pilot lost control of the helicopter, and it impacted terrain adjacent to the loading truck. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, cabin, main rotor system, and tail rotor system.

The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA207 for the full record.