Pilot Planned To Spray Product Over Five Separate Parcels Of Land

Location: Coalinga, CA Accident Number: WPR22FA098
Date & Time: February 16, 2022, 21:30 Local Registration: N72297
Aircraft: Bell UH-1H Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural

On February 16, 2022, about 2130 Pacific standard time, a Bell UH-1H helicopter, N72297, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Coalinga, California. The pilot was fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight.

According to the supervisor of the ground crew, who supported the operation, the pilot planned to spray product over five separate parcels of land. He arrived at the first location about 1800. He completed the first two locations and stopped spraying the third location when the wind increased. He over flew the fourth location, stated to the ground crew that it would be done on the following the day, then departed the area without announcing his intentions. The last communication that the ground crew had with the pilot occurred about 2138 and involved a question about the wind. When the helicopter did not arrive at the fifth location, and did not respond to radio calls, the supervisor alerted his employer, and called 911.

An alert notification was issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. The helicopter was located about 0300 by a search airplane.

The helicopter came to rest on its left side, in an orchard, located about 6 miles southeast of his last observed position, and close to an establishment where the pilot was known to take breaks. The orchard was at an elevation of about 385 ft mean sea level, and consisted of trees, spaced about 15 ft apart at a height of about 12 ft. An area of disturbed ground and felled trees extended back from the helicopter about 120 ft, on a bearing of 170°magnetic. All major components of the helicopter were with the wreckage or in the debris path. A large set of power transmission lines were near the vicinity of the wreckage but were not disturbed.

The helicopter was relocated to a secure facility for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov