Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot-in-command's failure to maintain clearance from a tree during an aerial application manuever.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On June 15, 1993, about 0730 central daylight time, a Hughes 269 helicopter, N213MS, sustained substantial damage when it collided with a tree and terrain near Valley City, North Dakota. The commercial certificated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The aerial application flight operated without flight plan under 14 CFR Part 137 in visual meteorological conditions.
The pilot reported he was flying slowly uphill from a ravine bottom while applying a herbicide. He was applying the herbicide near an isolated tree when he inadvertently allowed the main rotor blades to strike a tree branch. The helicopter descended uncontrollably and collided with terrain.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI93LA208