Jesup, IA, USA
N8140J
Bell 47G-5
The helicopter impacted the ground following a loss of control when it encountered a whirlwind on takeoff. The pilot reported that he stopped spraying because the winds had increased. He stated that he landed and spoke with his ground crew then decided to fly the helicopter back to his home airport. He reported that the local winds were from the west-southwest at 12 mph gusting to 20 mph. He stated that he took off over a cornfield and had just passed through translational lift when he noticed a whirlwind in front of him and slightly to his left. He stated that the next thing he knew he was in the whirlwind. He stated that he felt the helicopter shake then it rolled to the right. The helicopter came to rest upside down in the cornfield.
The helicopter impacted the ground following a loss of control when it encountered a whirlwind on takeoff. The pilot reported he stopped spraying because the winds had increased. He stated he landed and spoke with his ground crew then decided to fly the helicopter back to his home airport. He reported the local winds were from the west-southwest at 12 mph gusting to 20 mph. He stated he took off over a cornfield and had just passed through translational lift when he noticed a whirlwind in front of him and slightly to his left. He stated that the next thing he knew he was in the whirlwind. He stated he felt the helicopter shake then it rolled to the right. The helicopter came to rest upside down in the cornfield.
The pilot's inability to maintain control of the helicopter when it unexpectedly encountered a whirlwind shortly after takeoff.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
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