Incident Overview
A helicopter sustained damage after striking the ground and coming to rest inverted in a cornfield. The accident occurred during a takeoff when the aircraft encountered a whirlwind, leading to a loss of control.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that he had stopped spraying operations because the winds had increased. After landing and consulting with his ground crew, he decided to fly the helicopter back to his home airport. At the time, local winds were from the west-southwest at 12 mph, gusting to 20 mph.
He took off over a cornfield. Just after passing through translational lift, he noticed a whirlwind in front and slightly to his left. He stated that the next thing he knew, he was inside the whirlwind. The helicopter began to shake and then rolled to the right.
Aftermath
The helicopter came to rest upside down in the cornfield. No information about injuries or fatalities was provided in the source.