Accident Overview
A helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff while carrying 55 gallons of liquid fertilizer. The impact occurred in a potato field. The pilot reported that during each swath run over the field, the helicopter's blades were picking up some of the liquid fertilizer.
Pilot Statement
According to the pilot, on the final takeoff the helicopter felt heavy. He stated that he was unable to regain the rotor rpm and that it was too late to activate the emergency dump system. The helicopter subsequently collided with the ground.
Sequence of Events
The helicopter had been conducting agricultural spraying operations, applying liquid fertilizer to the field. The pilot noted that the rotor blades were accumulating fertilizer during passes. After completing a swath run, the pilot initiated a takeoff. The helicopter felt heavy, and the pilot was unable to recover the rpm. The emergency dump was not deployed in time. The helicopter then descended and struck the ground in the potato field.
No further details about the aircraft, operator, or occupants were provided in the source.