Accident Details
A helicopter impacted the terrain while maneuvering during an aerial application flight. In a written statement, the pilot reported that during the third pass at the top of a turn, a strong wind from the east-northeast caused a loss of airspeed and resulted in a tailwind of approximately 15 to 20 knots. The pilot described diving back into the field with a tailwind, out of translational lift, and experiencing a condition considered to be settling with power. At an altitude of approximately 50 to 60 feet, the pilot determined there was insufficient room to reenter translational lift, and the helicopter contacted the ground.
Examination Findings
A postaccident examination of the aircraft revealed no anomalies that could be associated with a preexisting condition.
Weather Conditions
A weather reporting station located about 17 miles at 037 degrees magnetic from the accident site reported variable wind at 3 knots at 0753 central daylight time. At 0853 CDT, the station reported variable wind at 3 knots, gusting to 19 knots. At 0900 CDT, the station reported thunderstorms in the vicinity.