Incident Overview
During an aerial application flight, a helicopter pilot returned to the helispot to reload after spraying a field. While approaching the helispot, the pilot flew past 30-foot-tall almond trees and 10-foot-tall oleander bushes at a low altitude. Immediately after passing the vegetation, the helicopter began yawing.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that the tail rotor felt sluggish, and control was lost. The pilot further reported that he believes the spray boom clipped the vegetation. The helicopter came to rest on its side after the loss of control.
Environmental Conditions
At the time of the accident, both the pilot and a ground witness described the local wind condition as light and variable.
Mechanical Considerations
The pilot did not assert that any mechanical malfunctions precipitated the accident.