N570MD – ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 – 2010-05-15 NTSB Accident Report

On May 15, 2010, a Robinson Helicopter R44 (N570MD) was involved in an incident near Baraboo, WI. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with crops while maneuvering during aerial application.

According to the pilot, he had just departed a gravel road (loading zone) to complete an aerial application to an alfalfa field. Shortly after departure, he executed a right turn and one of the helicopter spray booms contacted the 2 1/2 feet tall alfalfa. The helicopter then began a downward right spin. Subsequently, the spray boom dragged on the alfalfa and "initiated a dynamic rollover." The main rotor blades contacted terrain and the helicopter "cartwheeled" onto its left side. Examination of the helicopter revealed damage to the main rotor blades, tail boom, tail rotor, and fuselage. The pilot recommended the following: "Ensure adequate altitude before initiating turns, and exercise more caution when over tall grass or crops."

This incident is documented in NTSB report CEN10CA251. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N570MD.