Incident Overview
A helicopter experienced a series of loss-of-control events while maneuvering over a cotton field. According to the pilot, after completing a left turn at the end of the field, the aircraft yawed sharply to the left and the yaw could not be corrected using cyclic control. The pilot managed to regain control, but during another left turn at the opposite end of the field, the helicopter again yawed to the left.
Precautionary Landing and Rollover
Following the second yaw event, the pilot regained control and initiated a precautionary landing in the cotton field. During the landing, the main rotor blades struck the ground, causing the helicopter to roll onto its side.
Post-Crash Inspection
A post-crash inspection of the aircraft's flight control system revealed no evidence to indicate any precrash mechanical failure or malfunction. The cause of the uncontrolled yaw could not be determined from the available evidence.