What happened
The helicopter was engaged in agricultural operations when it departed from the work area. Approximately five minutes into the flight, the aircraft was performing a downwind turn on an agricultural turnaround. During this maneuver, the helicopter lost control and collided with the ground. The impact occurred on a heading of 210 degrees.
The investigation
Investigators examined the site of the accident and subsequently conducted a detailed inspection of the airframe and engine. The examination revealed no evidence of powerplant malfunction, flight control system failure, structural issues, or other system malfunctions that could have contributed to the accident.
Findings
Weather conditions at the time of the accident included wind from 326 degrees at 14 knots, with gusts reaching 22 knots. The combination of the downwind turn and the gusty wind conditions likely contributed to the loss of control. No mechanical failures were identified during the investigation.
Safety message
Pilots conducting agricultural operations should be aware of the risks associated with turning in gusty winds, particularly on a downwind leg where ground speed is increased and control authority may be reduced.