What happened
The pilot was conducting an aerial application run when he experienced a sudden loss of engine power. The incident occurred without warning, leaving the pilot with very little time to react. Following the power failure, the helicopter lost directional control. The aircraft descended rapidly and settled into a field of tall corn.
The impact with the ground and vegetation caused significant structural damage to the aircraft. The main rotor blades were completely destroyed during the crash sequence. Additionally, the tail cone was severed from the airframe, and the landing skids separated from the helicopter.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and performed a detailed analysis of the aircraft's systems to determine the cause of the power loss. They inspected the fuel system for any signs of contamination or blockage. Components of the engine were also examined closely for mechanical defects or wear.
To further verify the condition of the propulsion system, an engine run was conducted on the recovered components. This test was designed to simulate operational conditions and check for performance issues. The examination of the fuel, engine components, and the results of the engine run disclosed no failure or malfunction within the aircraft systems.