Accident Details
On October 23, 2013, at approximately 0830 central daylight time, a Bell OH-58C helicopter (registration N911CC) impacted terrain during a hard landing on a field near Omaha, Texas. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom and main rotor blade(s). The commercial pilot was uninjured. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application operation and was not operating on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which originated from Winnsboro, Texas, at 0700 and was destined for Omaha, Texas.
Pilot Statement
According to the pilot, the helicopter was approaching to land with a load of chemical when the left skid dug into high grass and loose dirt. The helicopter spun around, and the main rotor contacted the tail boom. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure with the helicopter.