Accident Details
The helicopter was equipped with a carousel fitted with four electric release hooks. A 100-foot long line was attached to the carousel, and four cache bags of equipment were hooked to it. The pilot proceeded to the first location and released one bag, then moved to another location for the next drop. Upon releasing the second hook, the pilot noticed that as he lifted the remaining load, one bag had not released.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reset the hook sequencer and attempted a release with more weight on the hooks, but no bag released. He then lowered the 100-foot long line onto the ground so that he could examine the carousel for an electrical disconnection or perhaps a bag strap hang-up. While at a low hover, with the helicopter facing into the wind, the pilot moved the helicopter laterally from left to right toward the carousel.
Outcome
During this maneuver, the pilot was concerned with maintaining tail rotor clearance from the rotor wash-blown cotton crop. Consequently, he was looking back out the open door when the helicopter's right skid contacted one or more of the cache bags, which were extending above the cotton plants. Subsequently, the helicopter rolled over onto its right side.