Accident Details
The pilot of the helicopter was conducting agricultural spraying operations. After completing a pass over a potato field, the pilot departed from the road adjacent to the field to reposition for another spraying run. During a right turn, the helicopter rolled to the right and subsequently crashed into brush and trees located south of a river.
The pilot's son, who was not present at the time of the accident, later stated that no mechanical problems had been indicated prior to the event. Following the accident, an engine teardown revealed no anomalies.
Control System Observations
Examination of the helicopter's control system noted differences between the cyclic stick for the right seat and that for the left seat. The pilot was operating the aircraft from the right seat at the time of the accident. The right cyclic stick was positioned significantly further aft and to the left compared to the left controls.
According to the pilot's son, who relayed information to a witness, the pilot had to hold the cyclic stick almost full left in order to maintain level flight.