N17HCONTINENTAL COPTERS TOMCAT MK6B2010-07-15 NTSB Accident Report

Substantial
Minor

CONTINENTAL COPTERS TOMCAT MK6BS/N: 13

Summary

On July 15, 2010, a Continental Copters TOMCAT MK6B (N17H) was involved in an accident near Blackstone, IL. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The helicopter encountered a dust devil at a low altitude during the aerial application flight.

The pilot was spraying a corn field during the aerial application flight when the accident occurred. He made a turn at the end of a swath run and was leveling out five feet above the corn when the helicopter encountered a dust devil. The helicopter descended into the corn in a level attitude, resulting in substantial damage.

This accident is documented in NTSB report CEN10CA411. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N17H.

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, July 15, 2010
NTSB Number
CEN10CA411
Location
Blackstone, IL
Event ID
20100719X61851
Coordinates
41.084167, -88.690551
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The helicopter encountered a dust devil at a low altitude during the aerial application flight.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CONTINENTAL COPTERS
Serial Number
13
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1947
Model / ICAO
TOMCAT MK6B
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1
Seats
3
FAA Model
TOMCAT MK6B

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
HENDRICKSON FLYING SERVICE INC
Address
21532 QUITNO RD
City
ROCHELLE
State / Zip Code
IL 61068-9413
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot was spraying a corn field during the aerial application flight when the accident occurred. He made a turn at the end of a swath run and was leveling out five feet above the corn when the helicopter encountered a dust devil. The helicopter descended into the corn in a level attitude, resulting in substantial damage.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN10CA411