LASALLE, MN, USA
N73284
BELL 47G3B1
THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS PERFORMING AERIAL APPLICATION OPERATIONS OVER A WHEAT FIELD WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. HE WAS FLYING HIS FIRST SPRAY SWATH ON THE FIELD WHEN THE SPRAY BOOM CONTACTED THE CROP. THE HELICOPTER IMPACTED THE GROUND AND CAME TO REST INVERTED. THE PILOT'S RECOMMENDATION WAS TO FLY HIS SPRAY SWATHS AT A HIGHER ALTITUDE.
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE FROM THE TERRAIN. A RELATED FACTOR IS THE PILOT'S MISJUDGED ALTITUDE ABOVE THE CROP.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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