Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while maneuvering during an aerial application flight.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, during an aerial application flight, he initiated a climbing turn, which he thought did not "feel right." He leveled the helicopter, stopped the turn, lowered the collective and added full throttle. The pilot stated that the rpm indication was in the bottom of the green arc. The helicopter began losing altitude and impacted a cornfield. The pilot indicated that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter. The helicopter sustained substantial damage when the main rotor separated a section of its tailboom.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA525 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 27, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Nicolett, Minnesota
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 47G-2A
- N-number
- N7578
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.