Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary LAX92LA378

CHANDLER, AZ, USA

Aircraft #1

N38099

Texas Helicopter OH-13E/M74

Analysis

AFTER RECEIVING FUEL AND RELOADING WITH A CHEMICAL HERBICIDE, THE HELICOPTER WAS DEPARTING A LANDING/LOADING PLATFORM MOUNTED ON A TRUCK, TO CONTINUE AGRICULTURAL SPRAY OPERATIONS. AS THE HELICOPTER LEFT THE PLATFORM, THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE AND JETTISON THE CHEMICAL LOAD. THE HELICOPTER SETTLED INTO A COTTON FIELD AND ROLLED ONTO ITS LEFT SIDE. EXAMINATION OF WEIGHT AND BALANCE, AND PERFORMANCE CHARTS REVEALED THAT THE HELICOPTER SHOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MAINTAIN FLIGHT. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HIS RECOMMENDATION TO PREVENT THIS ACCIDENT WAS TO NOT OVERLOAD THE HELICOPTER.

Probable Cause and Findings

THE PILOT'S MISJUDGING THE PERFORMANCE AND WEIGHT AND BALANCE DATA OF THE HELICOPTER PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS A FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO JETTISON THE CHEMICAL LOAD.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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