Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 near Baraboo, WI — 2010-05-15

Final reportCEN10CA251
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Date
2010-05-15
Location
Baraboo, WI, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44
Registration
N570MD
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with crops while maneuvering during aerial application.

NTSB 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 a stand of 2-1/2-foot-tall alfalfa. The helicopter then began a descending right spin. Subsequently, the spray boom dragged on the alfalfa, resulting 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."

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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