Bell BHT-206-B3 accident near Fort Myers, Florida, July 30, 2003

The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record

The pilot stated that he had landed in a marshy area to allow a mosquito control inspector to perform an inspection of the area over which they were going to conduct an aerial application flight the afternoon. As he landed, he said he noted that the landing surface was flat with 6-inch grass, 1-inch standing water, and mud. He said he inspected the right skid from the cockpit, while the inspector departed the helicopter to inspect the mangrove, and saw a branch or root extending 6 inches above the grass, 4 inches outboard of the right skid near the aft cross tube saddle. He said the inspector returned and reported no obstructions to the left skid, and before the takeoff check was complete, he ascended, establishing a 2-foot stable hover in a level attitude. He said he checked the torque, and began to increase collective for climbout, but the helicopter did not climb. He looked over his right shoulder to check for an obstruction, and at that time detected that a roll was developing to the right. He said he tried to reduce the collective, but it was not enough. The roll continued and the helicopter came to rest on its right side. Prior to the accident, the pilot said there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the helicopter or any of its systems.

The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.