Surveillance video in a Fresno, CA neighborhood captured a helicopter crash in someone’s front yard yesterday.
Local police say the Bell 206B-3 JetRanger III was conducting a test flight from Fresno Yosemite Airport (FAT/KFAT), when the crew (a single pilot and passenger) suddenly heard a loud pop and began falling.
In the video captured by resident Barbara Lee, the helicopter appears to suffer an inflight loss of tail rotor authority. You can see the tail rotor is completely shot as it falls (thus the spinning), making the helo a falling brick.
The helicopter hit a palm tree as it crashed down, just feet from a house and a passing car. Fortunately there are no reports of anyone in the home or area being hurt.
Both the pilot and passenger were conscious and responsive when authorities arrived. People in the neighborhood also immediately responded to help the crew get out of the wreckage.
Video (above) from a local news station captured an aerial view of the aftermath.
Both crew were sent to a local hospital with minor injuries.
The helicopter is owned and operated by Organ Mountain Aviation Co LLC, registration N284CA.
The FAA and NTSB are investigating.
