NTSB Factual Report

On June 19, 2005, about 0500 Pacific daylight time, a Bell 47G-3B-1 helicopter, N8554F, impacted trees following a loss of control while hovering near Brewster, Washington. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries, and the helicopter sustained substantial damage. The purpose of the flight was to hover over a cherry orchard and use the helicopter's rotor wash to dry the cherries. The helicopter was registered to and operated by Johnson Helicopters LLC of Homedale, Idaho. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the other work use flight that was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The helicopter departed from an open area near the orchard about 0435.

According to the pilot, he was in a slow hover about 6 to 8 feet above the trees. While turning left, his foot slipped off the right anti-torque pedal. This resulted in his left foot applying left anti-torque pedal, and the helicopter began to spin to the left. The helicopter's skid landing gear contacted the trees, and the helicopter descended to the ground and rolled onto its right side. The transmission, mast and main rotor system were torn from the helicopter as a unit. The tail boom was severed, and the center frame sustained structural damage.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadvertent anti-torque pedal input, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with trees while hovering.