Flight Description
According to the pilot's statement, after takeoff the flight proceeded approximately 15 miles west to Sawgrass Park, where the pilot landed and picked up three workers. The pilot completed a load manifest and computed the weight and balance before continuing to a site for vegetation eradication. After landing at that site, the workers got out, sprayed, and then returned to the helicopter. The pilot then departed to another site where one of the workers got out, sprayed, and returned to the helicopter.
Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that as the helicopter lifted up straight, the right side 'popped up fast.' The pilot lowered the collective and applied right cyclic to correct the roll, but these inputs had no effect. The helicopter subsequently rolled onto its left side. The pilot stated that he did not perceive a problem with the helicopter or its flight controls prior to the event.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the cyclic and collective flight control tube assemblies revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. Bench testing of the left and right cyclic servo actuator and the collective servo actuators also revealed no evidence of preimpact failure.