LODI, CA, USA
N51855
TEXAS HELICOPTER M74L
IN HIS WRITTEN STATEMENT, THE PILOT SAID THAT SHORTLY AFTER LIFTOFF HE HEARD A LOUD BANG AND 'ALL DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WITH THE CYCLIC WAS LOST.' HE NOTED THAT THE HELICOPTER PITCHED SLIGHTLY TO THE RIGHT AND IMPACTED IN A CORN FIELD. THE HELICOPTER WAS EXAMINED IN DETAIL BY AN FAA AIRWORTHINESS INSPECTOR FROM THE OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, FLIGHT STANDARDS DISTRICT OFFICE. ACCORDING TO THE INSPECTORS REPORT, HE IDENTIFIED NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE, DRIVE TRAIN OR CONTROL SYSTEM. FUEL WAS FOUND IN THE TANKS, LINES AND THE CARBURETOR. HE SAID THAT HE FOUND NO EVIDENCE OF A SPRAY BOOM OR ROTOR BLADE STRIKE PRIOR TO GROUND IMPACT. THE INSPECTOR NOTED THAT THE GROUND CONTRACT MARKS WERE CONSISTENT WITH A NEARLY LEVEL ATTITUDE GROUND IMPACT, WITH ABOUT 70 FEET OF STRAIGHT GROUND SCARS.
THE INFLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL BY THE PILOT FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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