Pilot's Schedule
The pilot reported waking at 0700 the previous day and reporting for duty at 1800. He flew a one-hour helicopter flight around 1930. He attempted to nap at 2100 but was interrupted by noise and lights, accruing no more than one hour of rest. At 0030 on the accident morning, he was called to fly for frost mitigation.
Accident Sequence
While flying over an agricultural field at about 30 feet above ground level at approximately 0540, the pilot began his last pass and fell asleep. The helicopter impacted the ground and came to rest on its left side.
Damage and Examination
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, rotor system, and tail boom. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage and found no mechanical anomalies.
Pilot Factors
At the time of the accident, the pilot had no more than one hour of restless sleep in the previous 22 hours 40 minutes. He also reported that he did not normally fly at night.