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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

December 15, 2008 · Bell OH-58C · N659HA

Osceola County, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 15, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Osceola County, FL
Aircraft
Bell OH-58C
Tail Number
N659HA
Operator
Helicopter Applicators
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA09CA090

The helicopter pilot stated that he was spraying pesticide over a lake, adding that weather conditions were overcast skies and calm winds. He was spraying from east to west and west to east, and trying to keep his altitude between 50 and 200 feet above the water, and speed of about 30 miles per hour. He stated that the spray runs were about a mile. He was finishing up his 14th takeoff and landing for the day. He said the lake was glassy and that it was difficult to judge his altitude; he then flew into the water and flipped over. He reported no mechanical problems with the helicopter.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's misjudgment of altitude during low-altitude spraying operations, which resulted in an in-flight collision with water.

Full Narrative

The helicopter pilot stated that he was spraying pesticide over a lake, adding that weather conditions were overcast skies and calm winds. He was spraying from east to west and west to east, and trying to keep his altitude between 50 and 200 feet above the water, and speed of about 30 miles per hour. He stated that the spray runs were about a mile. He was finishing up his 14th takeoff and landing for the day. He said the lake was glassy and that it was difficult to judge his altitude; he then flew into the water and flipped over. He reported no mechanical problems with the helicopter.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:25 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell OH-58C
Tail NumberN659HA
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHelicopter Applicators
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · T63-720 · Turboshaft · 420
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 62 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter30.32 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

External Links

Appendix: Source Data