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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

July 19, 2013 · Bell 206B · N23L

Tamaroa, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 19, 2013
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Tamaroa, IL
Aircraft
Bell 206B
Tail Number
N23L
Operator
Kash Helicopter Services
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN13LA447

The pilot took off on the aerial application flight, flew the helicopter about 1/4 mile to the assigned field, and completed an initial application pass. The pilot recalled that the helicopter was approaching the point at which he intended to reverse course for the next spray run; however, he did not recall the accident sequence. The accident site was located about 1/4 mile south of his planned turning point in an adjacent farm field. The pilot commented that the terrain was "flat" with corn about 8 feet tall. He also noted that the helicopter was "performing great" with no known problems before the accident. A postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact malfunction or failure.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

On July 19, 2013, about 0930 central daylight time, a Bell 206B helicopter, N23L, impacted crops and terrain during an agricultural application pass near Tamaroa, Illinois. The pilot reported no injuries. The helicopter was substantially damaged. The helicopter was registered to and operated by Kash Helicopter Services LLC under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not operated on a flight plan. The local flight originated from a private helipad near the accident site about 0928.The pilot reported that he took off, flew about one-quarter mile to the assigned field, and completed an initial application pass. He recalled that he was approaching his intended turning point to reverse course for the next spray run; however, he did not recall the accident sequence. The accident site was located about one-quarter mile south of his planned turning point in an adjacent farm field. The main rotor contacted and severed the tailboom during the accident sequence; the helicopter came to rest on its right side. The pilot commented that the terrain was "flat" with eight-foot tall corn. He also noted that the helicopter was "performing great" with no known problems prior to the accident.A postaccident examination of the helicopter by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact malfunction or failure.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206B
Tail NumberN23L
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorKash Helicopter Services
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · 250-C20B · Turboshaft · 450
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 66 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time14:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data