Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain proper altitude/clearance from a dead tree limb during an aerial application flight.
NTSB analysis
During an aerial application flight, the helicopter was climbing out from a spray pass along a narrow field when the tail rotor hit a dead tree limb. The helicopter started spinning to the right, entered an uncontrolled descent, and impacted the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom and fuselage. The pilot and operator reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA252 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 4, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- New Florence, Missouri
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II
- N-number
- N225AM
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2008
- 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.