Accident Description
The accident occurred during an aerial application flight that was dispensing insecticides over a cotton field. While the helicopter was maneuvering to avoid powerlines during the procedure turnaround following an upwind swath run, the pilot failed to maintain sufficient airspeed.
Sequence of Events
Due to the insufficient airspeed, the helicopter began to settle, as translational lift became ineffective. The pilot did not apply additional power in time to arrest the descent. Consequently, the helicopter settled into the terrain. Upon ground contact, the rotor blades struck the ground, causing the helicopter to nose over.
Findings
The investigation identified that the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and apply power resulted in the loss of effective translational lift and subsequent settling. The maneuver to avoid powerlines during the turnaround was a factor in the sequence, but the direct cause was the pilot's actions regarding airspeed and power management.