Primary finding
Probable cause
Pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and failure to remove a pesticide spraying hose from the helicopter prior to takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot performed two aerial application flights over the amusement park, and landed to reload chemicals for the third flight of the morning. He stated he was "in a hurry," and did not confirm that the right side chemical loading hose was disconnected from the helicopter, prior to takeoff for the third flight. As the pilot initiated takeoff, the loading hose "pulled" the helicopter downward, and it impacted the ground.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 30, 2003, at 0610 eastern daylight time, a Bell 47G-2A helicopter, N7796C, was substantially damaged during takeoff from the Six Flags Amusement Park, in Jackson, New Jersey. The certificated commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the agricultural application flight which was conducted under 14 CFR Part 137. According to the pilot, he performed two flights over the amusement park, and landed to reload chemicals for the third flight of the morning. He stated he was "in a hurry" for several reasons, and did not confirm that the right side chemical loading hose was disconnected from the helicopter prior to takeoff for the third flight. As the pilot initiated takeoff, the loading hose "pulled" the helicopter downward, and it impacted the ground. The pilot reported 8,415 hours of total flight experience in rotorcraft, 6,000 of which were in make and model.