Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to assess and compensate for the landing surface, which included high grass and loose dirt.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that, as the airplane was on approach to land on a field during an aerial application flight, the helicopter's left skid dug into the field's high grass and loose dirt. The helicopter spun around, and the main rotor contacted the tail boom. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14LA022 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 23, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Omaha, Texas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell OH-58C
- N-number
- N911CC
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1970
- 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.