NTSB Factual Report

On April 26, 2002, at 0905 eastern daylight time, a Bell 47G-5A helicopter, N14838, registered to and operated by Airwork Enterprises of Florida, Inc., collided with a tree while maneuvering in a citrus grove in La Belle, Florida. The aerial application flight was operated by the commercial pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 137 with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured, and the helicopter sustained substantial damage. The flight originated from the citrus grove in La Belle, Florida, at 0715.

The pilot was executing swath runs to apply herbicide solutions to weed plants in drainage ditches in a citrus grove. The pilot conducted the application runs about six feet above the ground at 25 to 30 mph. While finishing with the sixth load of spray, the pilot flew on a northerly heading, and a large oak tree was on the east bank of the ditch being treated. As the pilot maneuvered to clear the tree by climbing, the helicopter's main rotor blades became entangled in the branches approximately 25 to 30 feet above the ground. Upon contact with the tree, the helicopter's rpm decayed rapidly, and it fell straight down into the ditch.

Examination of the wreckage revealed the main rotor system was damaged, the tail boom was separated, and both skids were separated. The pilot stated there was no mechanical malfunction.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance of a tree while maneuvering, which resulted in an in-flight collision with the tree and subsequent uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.