19990310002139A

1974 Bell 206B helicopter crashed while landing during aerial application procedures, other circumstances are unknown. (.19) on March 10, about 1055 hours pacific standard time, a Bell 206B, N901CA, operated by bettencourt flying service, collided with trees near Delhi, California, while performing an aerial application flight under 14 CFR part 137. The helicopter was substantially damaged, and the commercial pilot received a minor injury. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The local area flight originated from Delhi about 0845. The reported that seconds prior to the mishap, no cockpit annunciator lights were illuminating, no unusual vibrations were felt, fuel was in the tank, and the engine power was about 100 percent. After spraying a field, the pilot was returning to the helispot to reload when he flew past 30-foot-tall almond trees and 10-foot-tall oleander bushes at a low altitude. Immediately thereafter, the helicopter began yawing and control was lost. The pilot further reported that he believes a spray boom may have clipped the vegetation. At the time of the accident, the local wind condition was described by both the pilot and a ground witness as being light and variable. The pilot did not assert that any mechanical malfunctions precipitated the accident. (-23)pilot was approaching loading pad during agricultural operations when he lost control of the helicopter. The left boom contacted the ground, a curb and bushes before departing the helicopter. The helicopter contacted a tree, the tail rotor and stinger contacted the ground, then the helicopter traveled approximately 100 feet before contacting another tree and impacting the ground on its right side. The pilot stated there was no mechanical malfunction. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. There was bi fire. Weather reported by the pilot was calm wind with high overcast. Weather was not a factor inthe accident.