What happened
While approaching the north end of the field from the south, the pilot was flying approximately 2 feet above corn stalks at a speed of 30 knots. During this phase of flight, the pilot initiated a climbing right pedal turn. As the aircraft reached an angle of approximately 30 to 40 degrees through the turn, the pilot misjudged the distance from wires located at the edge of the field.
In response to the proximity of the wires, the pilot ceased the pedal turn and applied right forward cyclic. As the helicopter began to sink, the pilot applied additional throttle and forward cyclic in an attempt to gain airspeed and minimize the descent. The pilot then applied aft cyclic and collective to arrest the descent; however, the helicopter's right skid impacted the corn stalks. This impact caused the aircraft to veer to the right before it struck the ground and came to rest on its left side.
Findings
- The pilot misjudged the distance from wires bordering the field during a climbing turn.