N17H

Substantial
Minor

CONTINENTAL COPTERS TOMCAT MK6BS/N: 13

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