Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain during an agricultural application maneuver.
NTSB analysis
The pilot took off on the aerial application flight, flew the helicopter about 1/4 mile to the assigned field, and completed an initial application pass. The pilot recalled that the helicopter was approaching the point at which he intended to reverse course for the next spray run; however, he did not recall the accident sequence. The accident site was located about 1/4 mile south of his planned turning point in an adjacent farm field. The pilot commented that the terrain was "flat" with corn about 8 feet tall. He also noted that the helicopter was "performing great" with no known problems before the accident. A postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact malfunction or failure.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA447 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 19, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tamaroa, Illinois
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 206B
- N-number
- N23L
- 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.