Pilot escapes without injury after helicopter crashes into Central Coast field

A pilot escaped without injury after a helicopter went down south of Orcutt on Friday morning.

Firefighters from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department responded to the area of Orcutt-Garey and Foxen Canyon roads at approximately 7:45 a.m., fire Engineer Mike Gray said.

The helicopter was spraying organic pesticide when the aircraft experienced a mechanical issue and made a hard landing in an ag field, Gray added.

Pieces of the helicopter were scattered in the field and the crumpled craft ended up on its side.

The pesticide tanks were emptied prior to the helicopter going down, Gray said.

The Bell helicopter is registered to English Air Service, which has operated since 1986 and is based at the Santa Maria Public Airport.

In addition to ag customers, the fleet of helicopters also assists with aerial mapping, power line maintenance and more.

This story was originally published February 23, 2024 at 5:42 PM with the headline "Pilot escapes without injury after helicopter crashes into Central Coast field."