Accident Overview
The helicopter was conducting an agricultural spray operation when the pilot attempted to take off from a truck-mounted platform. Shortly after liftoff, the aircraft gained only a few feet of altitude before the pilot lost control and the helicopter settled back to the ground. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures during the flight.
Weight Condition
The helicopter was being operated under a restricted airworthiness certificate at the time of the flight. An evaluation revealed that the aircraft was between 80 and 100 pounds over its maximum certificated gross weight. This excess weight prevented the helicopter from achieving or maintaining sustained flight.
Operational Details
The spray flight was intended to cover a nearby field. The takeoff was performed from a truck-mounted platform, a common practice in agricultural aviation. No further information about the specific aircraft type, registration, pilot experience, or environmental conditions was provided.
Despite the weight exceedance, no other anomalies were reported. The loss of control and subsequent settling occurred immediately after takeoff, with the pilot unable to counter the effects of the excessive weight.