Accident Sequence
According to the pilot's account, after completing a spray run and initiating a left climbing turn, he experienced a shudder in the airframe. At the same time, the engine accelerated to full RPM. The pilot interpreted the shudder as a possible clutch slip and responded by adding collective pitch. The helicopter began to settle toward the ground, and the pilot reported that he was unable to arrest the descent before the aircraft struck the ground.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the accident, the engine, transmission, and clutch assemblies were examined. The examination found no evidence of any pre-impact failure or malfunction. All components appeared to have been functioning normally prior to impact.