Robinson R44 N570MD

Summary

On 15 May 2010 at about 17:30 local time, a Robinson R44 registered N570MD, operated by MD Helicopter Services LLC, was involved in an accident near Baraboo, Wisconsin, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

15 May 2010 at 17:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Baraboo, Wisconsin, United States

Coordinates

43.5219, -89.7708

Aircraft

Robinson R44

Registration

N570MD

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

MD Helicopter Services LLC

Operating rule

Part 137: Agricultural

Purpose of flight

Aerial Application

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Baraboo → Baraboo

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN10CA251

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with crops while maneuvering during aerial application.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

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 a stand of 2-1/2-foot-tall alfalfa. The helicopter then began a descending right spin. Subsequently, the spray boom dragged on the alfalfa, resulting 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."

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.