What happened
The pilot was operating an agricultural helicopter engaged in cotton spraying operations aimed at boll weevil eradication. Before beginning work, the pilot conducted a survey of the target field and established flight patterns for the initial pass. During this first run, the aircraft struck a single wire that had been strung near the corner of the field.
The impact caused the pilot to lose control of the helicopter. The aircraft subsequently crashed into the cotton field itself. Following the accident, the pilot reported that he failed to see the wire during his initial survey of the area. He also stated that there were no mechanical problems with the helicopter prior to the collision.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and reviewed the pilot's account of the event. The primary finding was the physical contact between the helicopter and the single wire. No evidence of pre-impact mechanical failure was identified by the pilot or investigators based on available reports.
Findings
The accident was caused by the helicopter colliding with a single wire during agricultural operations. Contributing factors included the pilot's failure to detect the wire during the initial field survey and the subsequent loss of control following the impact.