Background
The pilot began his duty day at 2000 Eastern Standard Time the night before the accident. He repositioned the helicopter to an airport near bean fields intended for low-level agricultural sustainment flights. He conducted a ground reconnaissance of known hazards by vehicle, preparing for flights scheduled that evening or early the following morning. He flew one mission lasting 1 hour 30 minutes before midnight, then landed and went to sleep.
Accident Details
The pilot was awakened at 0030 when another helicopter experienced an accident on the airport. He returned to bed at 0100, was awakened again at 0300, and departed for flight at 0330. He flew north–south along a bean field in an east–west pattern at low altitude. Observing power lines at the end of the field, he crossed over them and then descended the helicopter into the ground at 0730.
Pilot Statements
The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the helicopter. He stated he was tired, having been awake for 18 hours and 30 minutes and having slept only 2 hours prior to the accident. He added that he had slept 5 hours 30 minutes in the last 24 hours and 14 hours in the last 72 hours.