Pilot Debrief

Texas Helicopter Corporation OH-13E/M74 near New Columbia, IL — 2011-05-03

Final reportCEN11LA317
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Date
2011-05-03
Location
New Columbia, IL, USA
Aircraft
Texas Helicopter Corporation OH-13E/M74
Registration
N38096
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the wheat crop during takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The aerial-application helicopter was operating from an uncultivated area of the wheat field being sprayed. The pilot stated that, shortly after takeoff, while accelerating through translational lift, the helicopter encountered a momentary loss of lift, consistent with an encounter with a wind gust, and settled into the wheat crop. The helicopter pitched down suddenly as the spray booms made contact with the crop and subsequently collided with terrain. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the helicopter.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff due to wind gusts affecting lift.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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