Summary
On May 23, 2019, a Bell 206 (N158H) was involved in an accident near Pittsfield, 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 pilot's failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain during agricultural application operations.
The helicopter pilot reported that, during his third aerial application pass over a hilly field, he quickly glanced at his instrument inside the cockpit and the helicopter impacted terrain.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the cabin, fuselage, and tailboom.
The Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
This accident is documented in NTSB report GAA19CA278. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N158H.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain during agricultural application operations.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The helicopter pilot reported that, during his third aerial application pass over a hilly field, he quickly glanced at his instrument inside the cockpit and the helicopter impacted terrain.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the cabin, fuselage, and tailboom.
The Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA278