Incident Overview
On July 11, 2023, at 0840 central daylight time, a Bell UH-1H helicopter (registration N900VF) was substantially damaged in an accident near Woodlawn, Illinois. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an agricultural application operation.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the helicopter experienced a "sudden bounce/shake that became extremely violent." He immediately initiated a descent to land in a corn field. When the helicopter reached about 50 feet above ground level, it performed an uncommanded 180° turn and subsequently landed upright in the field.
Damage and Postaccident Findings
Following the landing, the tail boom separated from the fuselage and was found in the corn field near the main wreckage. The fuselage and main rotor blades sustained damage. The main rotor transmission was dislocated from its mounts, consistent with the forced landing.
The operator reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure associated with the helicopter, and that the engine was still running after impact. The operator did not make the helicopter available for a postaccident examination.
Conclusion
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the helicopter, but the pilot emerged without injury. No further information regarding the cause of the sudden vibration or the uncommanded turn has been released.