# NTSB LAX01LA093: Bell 47G-5, N6260C, Pixley, CA, February 7, 2001 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: February 7, 2001, 08:30 local (16:30 UTC) - Place: Pixley, CA - Coordinates: 35.92139, -119.303886 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.9214&lon=-119.3039&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report January 23, 2002 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: WP-FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 51463 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX01LA093 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/51463/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01LA093 ## Probable cause A loss of control during takeoff due to the helicopter's heavy gross weight condition that exceeded its lifting capability. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb - translational lift - not attained, pilot in command - aircraft weight and balance - exceeded, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - open field - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis The pilot took off from a truck-mounted platform to spray a nearby field. He was only able to gain a few feet above the ground before losing control and settling into the ground. No mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported by the pilot. At the time of the flight, the helicopter was being operated under a restricted airworthiness certificate, and it was between 80 and 100 pounds over its maximum certificated gross weight. Because of its heavy weight condition, the pilot was unable to sustain flight. ## Factual narrative On February 7, 2001, about 0830 hours Pacific standard time, a Bell 47G-5, N6260C, took off from a truck-mounted platform, climbed a few feet, settled into the ground, and rolled over. The helicopter was operated by Slykerman Ag Aviation, and it was substantially damaged. The commercial certificated pilot was not injured during the agricultural application flight near Pixley, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight was performed under 14 CFR Part 137 and was originating at the time of the mishap. The pilot reported that no mechanical malfunctions or failures were experienced in his restricted category helicopter. He indicated that, about the time of the mishap, the speed of the local surface wind was between zero and 5 knots. The Federal Aviation Administration coordinator verbally reported that the helicopter appeared to have been operated between 80 and 100 pounds over its maximum certificated gross weight. He opined that this weight condition may have contributed to the helicopter's inability to sustain flight as the pilot attempted to pass through translational lift. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N6260C](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6260C), registered now, S/N 7952 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Bell 47G-5 - Registry model: [Bell 47G-5](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47g-5) (registry code 1181032) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 7952 - Engines: Lycoming VO-435 265 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Registered owner: John A. Slykerman - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Departed: Pixley, CA ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 36; injuries: none; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; last flight review November 12, 1999; flight hours: 5,500 total, 300 in this make and model, 5,500 as pilot in command, 36 in the last 90 days, 36 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 160° at 8 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 43 °F, dew point 28 °F - Altimeter: 30.07 inHg - Observed at: VIS, 27 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20010207001599A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20010207001599A), Feb 7, 2001: Bell 47G5, Pixley, CA, Substantial damage. (-23) Pilot was using a truck mounted elevated platform for takeoff. Immediately after takeoff, the pilot would nose the helo over to aid in flying into… ## Other investigations on N6260C (1) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB WPR11CA394](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11CA394), Jul 31, 2011: Bell 47G (N6260C), Porterville, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's decision to takeoff in a tailwind condition, and his subsequent failure to attain sufficient lift during the takeoff. From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.