ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44
Baraboo, WI — May 15, 2010
Event Information
| Date | May 15, 2010 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN10CA251 |
| Event ID | 20100517X03201 |
| Location | Baraboo, WI |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 43.52195, -89.77084 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | ROBINSON HELICOPTER |
| Model | R44 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 137 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with crops while maneuvering during aerial application.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot, he had just departed a gravel road (loading zone) to complete an aerial application to an alfalfa field. Shortly after departure, he executed a right turn and one of the helicopter spray booms contacted the 2 1/2 feet tall alfalfa. The helicopter then began a downward right spin. Subsequently, the spray boom dragged on the alfalfa and "initiated a dynamic rollover." The main rotor blades contacted terrain and the helicopter "cartwheeled" onto its left side. Examination of the helicopter revealed damage to the main rotor blades, tail boom, tail rotor, and fuselage. The pilot recommended the following: "Ensure adequate altitude before initiating turns, and exercise more caution when over tall grass or crops."
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.