Background
The accident occurred during an aerial spraying operation targeting Mediterranean fruit flies. Two helicopters were involved in the operation, employing a coordinated pattern to cover the target area.
Incident Details
The pilot was entering a "scissors" pattern, flying in the opposite direction to the second helicopter, which was spraying in the opposite direction. To begin his swath at the completion of the other helicopter's run, the pilot had to slow down. Further reducing speed to maintain clearance, he lost translational lift due to the prevailing tailwind. Insufficient altitude remained for the pilot to recover the loss of rotor rpm, and the aircraft settled into the trees.