Fresno, CA, USA
N284CA
BELL 206B
On October 1, 2022, about 0955 Pacific daylight time, a Bell 206B, N284CA, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Fresno, California. The pilot and passenger were seriously injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 other work use flight. The passenger reported that purpose of the flight was to conduct an operational check of the helicopter following recent a maintenance inspection. At the completion of their operational check items, as they were returning to the airport, he heard a loud crack/pop noise. The passenger stated that the helicopter started spinning to the right and the pilot told him they had lost tail rotor control as he initiated an autorotation. The passenger recalled that as they got closer to the ground, the speed of the spin increased. Subsequently, the helicopter impacted a tree and terrain and rolled onto its left side. Postaccident examination of the helicopter by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the fuselage was substantially damaged. The wreckage was recovered to a secure location for further examination.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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