On January 22, 2010, approximately 0909 Pacific standard time, a Bell 47G-4A helicopter, N28938, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near Shafter, California. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. Inland Crop Dusters, Inc., was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the aerial application flight. A flight plan had not been filed.
The pilot reported that while maneuvering over a field, he heard a "pop" and immediately experienced a yaw. The pilot initiated a forced landing to the field, which resulted in a hard landing. The main rotor blades contacted and severed the tail boom, and the engine was separated from its mounts.