Probable cause
The pilot's diverted attention during an agricultural application maneuver, which resulted in the helicopter impacting a corn field.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was applying agricultural product to a "J" shaped field. After he completed the aerial application to the "long" portion of the field, the pilot turned south to finish the "small' portion of the field. He stated that he checked the helicopter's light bar, which is often used by pilots as a navigation aid to fly on an indicated swath path. The pilot then "saw corn in the windshield," and the helicopter rolled upside down and subsequently came to rest on its left side. No mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation were detected during the helicopter's postaccident examination.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA442 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 29, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Streator, Illinois
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dawn
Texas Helicopter Corp OH-13H/M74A
- N-number
- N10009
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
Other records under this N-number
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.