Pilot Debrief

TEXAS HELICOPTER CORP OH-13H/M74A near Streator, IL — 2013-07-29

Final reportCEN13LA442
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Date
2013-07-29
Location
Streator, IL, USA
Aircraft
TEXAS HELICOPTER CORP OH-13H/M74A
Registration
N10009
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's diverted attention during an agricultural application maneuver, which resulted in the helicopter impacting a corn field.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was applying agricultural product to a "J" shaped field. After he completed the aerial application to the "long" portion of the field, the pilot turned south to finish the "small' portion of the field. He stated that he checked the helicopter's light bar, which is often used by pilots as a navigation aid to fly on an indicated swath path. The pilot then "saw corn in the windshield," and the helicopter rolled upside down and subsequently came to rest on its left side. No mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation were detected during the helicopter's postaccident examination.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have maintained altitude to avoid terrain during the turn.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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