GAA19CA278

Factual narrative

The helicopter pilot reported that, during his third aerial application pass over a hilly field, he quickly glanced at his instrument inside the cockpit and the helicopter impacted terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the cabin, fuselage, and tailboom. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. The helicopter pilot reported that, during his third agricultural application pass over a hilly field, he quickly glanced at an instrument inside the cockpit, and the helicopter impacted terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the cabin, fuselage, and tailboom. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Personnel issues-Psychological-Attention/monitoring-Monitoring environment-Pilot - C
• C Environmental issues-Physical environment-Terrain-Mountainous/hilly terrain-Effect on operation - C