# NTSB CHI03LA247: Texas Helicopter OH-13E, N38096, Byron, IL, August 6, 2003 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 6, 2003, 18:15 local (23:15 UTC) - Place: Byron, IL - Coordinates: 42.142776, -89.228332 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.1428&lon=-89.2283&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report July 29, 2004 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 57643 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI03LA247 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/57643/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA247 ## Probable cause The pilot not attaining translational lift during the takeoff. A factor was the high gross weight. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - terrain condition - ground - translational lift - not attained, pilot in command (cause) - aircraft weight and balance - high, pilot in command (contributing factor) - Roll over, descent - uncontrolled ## Analysis The helicopter was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain shortly after takeoff. The helicopter was conducting an aerial application flight and had just been loaded with chemical. The helicopter took off, but was not able to climb. It descended into the ground, and rolled onto it's side. Subsequent to the accident, the main rotor blades were found to be contaminated with insect remains. No other anomalies were found. ## Factual narrative On August 6, 2003, at 1815 central daylight time, a Texas Helicopter OH-13E, N38096, operated by Hendrickson Flying Service, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain while on takeoff from a field near Byron, Illinois. The helicopter descended into the ground just after takeoff and rolled over. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The commercial pilot reported minor injuries. The 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight was not operating on a flight plan. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that the helicopter was conducting agricultural spraying before the accident occurred. After the helicopter landed and was reloaded with pesticides, the helicopter took off, but was not able to climb. It descended into the ground and rolled over onto it's side. The inspector reported that the main rotor blades were contaminated with insect remains. No other anomalies were found that could be determined to have existed prior to the accident. FAA-H-8083-21 - ROTORCRAFT FLYING HANDBOOK states, "Translational lift is present with any horizontal flow of air across the rotor. This increased flow is most noticeable when the airspeed reaches approximately 16 to 24 knots. As the helicopter accelerates through this speed, the rotor moves out of its vortices and is in relatively undisturbed air. The airflow is also now more horizontal, which reduces induced flow and drag with a corresponding increase in angle of attack and lift. The additional lift available at this speed is referred to as 'effective translational lift.'" The pilot has not submitted a report of the accident. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N38096](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N38096), registered now, S/N 77-005 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Texas Helicopter OH-13E - Registry model: [Texas Helicopter OH-13E/M74](https://openairdocs.org/model/texas-helicopter-oh-13e-m74) (registry code 8930103) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 77-005 - Engines: Franklin O-355 210 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Operator: Hendrickson Flying Service - Registered owner: Hendrickson Flying Service Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Departed: Byron, IL - Airport: 4IL3, Thrifty Acres STOLport ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; injuries: minor; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 140° at 7 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 20,000 ft broken - Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 66 °F - Altimeter: 29.95 inHg - Observed at: RFD, 66 nm away ## 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 20030806026159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20030806026159A), Aug 6, 2003: Bell OH13EM74, Byron, IL, Substantial damage. (-23) Aircraft had just reloaded with pesticide and was lifting off from loading platform. Aircraft was unable to gain lift, descended into ground and rolled… ## Other investigations on N38096 (1) 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. - [NTSB CEN11LA317](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA317), May 3, 2011: Texas Helicopter OH-13E/M74 (N38096), New Columbia, IL, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the wheat crop during takeoff. 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.