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Helicopter Overturns After Spray Booms Entangle in Wheat Field During Post-Loading Landing (N6851)

Jonesboro, AR, US

On May 25, 1982, a Bell 47D1 (registration N6851) operated by Florida Flying Service Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Jonesboro, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain a hover after takeoff from the loading truck, followed by the entanglement of the spray booms in the wheat field during the subsequent running landing, which resulted in the aircraft overturning. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter loaded with herbicide failed to sustain a hover after lifting off a truck, resulting in a running landing where spray booms became entangled in crops, causing the aircraft to overturn.

What happened

Following the loading of 40 gallons of herbicide onto the aircraft, the pilot initiated an attempt to lift off from the rear of the loading truck. The initial phase of the takeoff proceeded normally; however, as the helicopter cleared the vehicle, it became apparent that the aircraft could not sustain a hover in the prevailing conditions. Consequently, the pilot executed a running landing in an adjacent wheat field.

During this ground contact, the spray booms attached to the aircraft became entangled in the standing wheat crop. This entanglement caused the aircraft to nose down and roll over onto its back.

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to maintain a hover after takeoff from the loading truck, followed by the entanglement of the spray booms in the wheat field during the subsequent running landing, which resulted in the aircraft overturning.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 May 1982 Bell 47D1 accident near Jonesboro, AR?

A helicopter loaded with herbicide failed to sustain a hover after lifting off a truck, resulting in a running landing where spray booms became entangled in crops, causing the aircraft to overturn.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 May 1982 involved a Bell 47D1, registration N6851, operated by Florida Flying Service Inc., at Jonesboro, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inability to maintain a hover after takeoff from the loading truck, followed by the entanglement of the spray booms in the wheat field during the subsequent running landing, which resulted in the aircraft overturning.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X03279. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.