19990926030579A

(.19) On September 26, 1999, at 0740 central daylight time, a Bell OH-58A agricultural helicopter, N523SP, was substantially damaged when it impacted a tree while maneuvering near Ratcliff, Texas. The helicopter was registered to a private individual and operated by northstar helicopters inc., of jasper, Texas. The instrument rated commercial pilot, sole occupant of the helicopter, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the code of federal regulations part 137 aerial application flight and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from jasper, Texas, at 0700.according to the operator, the purpose of the flight was to apply arsenol to pine tress. The pilot reported that he was applying the fourth load of the morning and was turning the helicopter from the south towards the east when he became distracted due to the "sun, and making an input into the GPS receiver." The tailrotor blades of the helicopter contacted trees, and the helicopter impacted the ground. The operator added that the tail boom separated from the airframe. (.4)the helicopter contacted a tree during an aerial application flight. According to the pilot he was turning from the south toward the east when he became distracted due to the 'sun, and making an input into the GPS receiver.' Subsequently, the tailrotor blades contacted a tree, the helicopter impacted the ground, and the tailboom separated. (-23)the pilot reprted flying south above a new stand of pine trees in an effort to line up for an aerial application. It was approximately 0730 am. He stated the sun was shining form his left front, that produced a glare preventing him from seeing a pine tree that was approxiamtely 100 feet higher than the surrounding trees. He started a right turn, at the same time reaching sown to set the GPS (so that he could mark the beginning point of the chemical application). In making the turn, the tail rotor impatched the lone tall pine tree. The aircraft's tail rotor struck the tree and impacted the ground.