Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter with a stuck skid, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while landing the helicopter on a loading truck, he felt the skids settle and spread. After a few seconds, the helicopter began to slide off the truck. He increased collective in an attempt to move forward away from the truck, but thought that the skid was stuck. The pilot was able to dislodge the skid but the helicopter rolled onto its left side, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA432 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 9, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Berlin, Illinois
- Nearest airport
- (n/a)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 206L-3
- N-number
- N170AM
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1982
- 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.