# NTSB CEN10CA251: Robinson Helicopter R44, N570MD, Baraboo, WI, May 15, 2010

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: May 15, 2010, 12:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Baraboo, WI
- Coordinates: 43.521945, -89.770835 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.5219&lon=-89.7708&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Low altitude operation/event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 21, 2010
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Central Region
- Parties: Federal Aviation Administration
- NTSB case key (mKey): 76024
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN10CA251
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/76024/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=76024
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA251

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with crops while maneuvering during aerial application.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Performance/control parameters: altitude](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44, 22 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md?model=7640120), [All aircraft, 1,310 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md)
- [Action: incorrect action performance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44, 8 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/cases.md?model=7640120), [All aircraft, 1,386 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Low altitude operation/event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220) (defining event); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44, 26 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md?model=7640120), [All aircraft, 780 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md)

## Analysis

According to the pilot, he had just departed a gravel road (loading zone) to complete an aerial application to an alfalfa field. Shortly after departure, he executed a right turn and one of the helicopter spray booms contacted a stand of 2-1/2-foot-tall alfalfa. The helicopter then began a descending right spin. Subsequently, the spray boom dragged on the alfalfa, resulting a dynamic rollover. The main rotor blades contacted terrain and the helicopter "cartwheeled" onto its left side. Examination of the helicopter revealed damage to the main rotor blades, tail boom, tail rotor, and fuselage. The pilot recommended the following: "Ensure adequate altitude before initiating turns, and exercise more caution when over tall grass or crops."

## Factual narrative

According to the pilot, he had just departed a gravel road (loading zone) to complete an aerial application to an alfalfa field. Shortly after departure, he executed a right turn and one of the helicopter spray booms contacted the 2 1/2 feet tall alfalfa. The helicopter then began a downward right spin. Subsequently, the spray boom dragged on the alfalfa and "initiated a dynamic rollover." The main rotor blades contacted terrain and the helicopter "cartwheeled" onto its left side. Examination of the helicopter revealed damage to the main rotor blades, tail boom, tail rotor, and fuselage. The pilot recommended the following: "Ensure adequate altitude before initiating turns, and exercise more caution when over tall grass or crops."

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N570MD](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N570MD-2012-11-09), registration cancelled 2012-11-09, S/N 0192, built 1995 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R44](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r44) (registry code 7640120) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O-540-F1B5](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-540-f1b5) (registry code 42353, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0192
- Airframe hours: 2101.3
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-F1B5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Md Helicopter Services  LLC
- Registered owner: Md Helicopter Services  LLC
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, April 7, 2010
- Departed: Baraboo, WI
- Destination: Baraboo, WI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; injuries: none; private, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; last flight review December 23, 2009; seat: right; flight hours: 3,769 total, 1,996 in this make and model, 3,687 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 24 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 20100515033699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20100515033699A), May 15, 2010: Robinson He R44, Baraboo, WI, Destroyed. Pilot filled tank with 60 gallons of product. Approximately 25 gallons fuel on board. Aircraft was on a gravel road way. Pilot took off to the north over a hay…

## Docket (1 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on July 9, 2010, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=76024. 575 KB in all.

- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 575 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40331135&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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