Casualties unknown

Helicopter Involved in Agricultural Application Accident After Low Rotor RPM (N19JM)

Lake City, MN, US

On August 26, 1994, a Bell 47 MARK-6 (registration N19JM) operated by Northland Helicopter Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Lake City, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE LOSS OF LIFT RESULTING FROM THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ROTOR RPM DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION TURN. THE POWER AVAILABLE FROM THE ENGINE WAS LESS THAN THAT REQUIRED TO REGAIN THE LOST ROTOR RPM. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a low-level agricultural turn, a helicopter experienced lower than normal rotor RPM. Attempts to regain RPM and level off failed, leading to spray boom contact with a corn crop and the helicopter overturning.

Accident Overview

A helicopter conducting an agricultural application flight experienced a loss of rotor RPM during a low-level turn. The pilot reported that after completing the turn, the rotor RPM was lower than normal. Environmental conditions included a temperature of approximately 74 degrees Fahrenheit and high humidity, with a density altitude of about 2,000 feet.

Sequence of Events

The pilot attempted to regain rotor RPM and level the helicopter, but these efforts were unsuccessful. Subsequently, the helicopter's spray booms contacted the corn crop below. The helicopter then came to a stop and overturned.

Conditions

The ambient temperature was reported as 74°F, and the pilot noted high humidity. The density altitude was calculated to be approximately 2,000 feet.

Outcome

The helicopter sustained damage from the impact with the crop and the overturn. No further details were provided regarding injuries or the extent of damage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Aug 1994 Bell 47 MARK-6 accident near Lake City, MN?

During a low-level agricultural turn, a helicopter experienced lower than normal rotor RPM. Attempts to regain RPM and level off failed, leading to spray boom contact with a corn crop and the helicopter overturning.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Aug 1994 involved a Bell 47 MARK-6, registration N19JM, operated by Northland Helicopter Inc, at Lake City, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE LOSS OF LIFT RESULTING FROM THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ROTOR RPM DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION TURN. THE POWER AVAILABLE FROM THE ENGINE WAS LESS THAN THAT REQUIRED TO REGAIN THE LOST ROTOR RPM.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02021. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.