Pilot Debrief

BELL OH 58 near Surprise, AZ — 2016-07-10

Final reportGAA16CA372
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Date
2016-07-10
Location
Surprise, AZ, USA
Aircraft
BELL OH 58
Registration
N588MP
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

While at a low altitude, the pilot's decision to do an abrupt descending right downwind turn which resulted in flying through his own vortices and an impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of an aerial application helicopter reported that after spraying a field he noticed that he missed a portion of the field. The pilot further reported that he maneuvered at a low altitude to the south end of the field, made a quick right turn to the north, dove into the field at approximately 45 knots, flew into his own vortices, and impacted the terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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