Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the helicopter did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB analysis
After completing an agricultural application flight, the commercial pilot lost control of the helicopter, which subsequently impacted a field in a nose-low attitude. The pilot shut down the engine after the accident occurred.
Postaccident examination of the helicopter wreckage did not reveal any preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The control rods were found fractured and exhibited damage consistent with overload. The pilot did not report why he lost control of the helicopter.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN17LA232 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 15, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hastings, Minnesota
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
47G
- N-number
- N90529
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1974
- 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.