Nighttime Agricultural Helicopter Crash Due to Loss of Ground Illumination

Incident Overview and Pilot Report During a nighttime agricultural spray operation over an alfalfa field, a helicopter experienced a loss of ground illumination lights shortly after takeoff. The pilot reported that the lights failed while the aircraft was descending and maneuvering close to the ground. The pilot stated that he did not see the field before the spray boom impacted it. The helicopter subsequently rolled over and was substantially damaged. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, or location. The probable cause is not explicitly stated in the source, but the loss of ground illumination lights during a low-altitude nighttime maneuver is a key factor in the incident.