Accident Overview
On July 19, 2013, about 0930 central daylight time, a Bell 206B helicopter, registration N23L, impacted crops and terrain during an agricultural application pass near Tamaroa, Illinois. The helicopter was substantially damaged, but the pilot reported no injuries. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application operation. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight was not operated on a flight plan. The local flight originated from a private helipad near the accident site about 0928.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that after takeoff, he flew about one-quarter mile to the assigned field and completed an initial application pass. He recalled approaching his intended turning point to reverse course for the next spray run but did not remember the accident sequence. The accident site was located about one-quarter mile south of his planned turning point in an adjacent farm field. The main rotor contacted and severed the tailboom during the accident sequence, and the helicopter came to rest on its right side. The pilot commented that the terrain was flat with eight-foot tall corn. He also noted that the helicopter was performing great with no known problems prior to the accident.
Examination
A postaccident examination of the helicopter by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact malfunction or failure.