Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line during a low-level aerial application flight.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that he flew around the cornfield to identify hazards, noted the power lines, and then began aerial application operations. While spraying around a large tree the pilot saw the glint of the power line and attempted to avoid it but was unsuccessful. The pilot was unable to maintain sufficient main rotor RPM and entered an autorotation to the cornfield. After landing in the field, the main rotor blades struck the corn stalks and the helicopter came to a rest on its side, resulting in substantial damage to the main rotor system, engine mount, fuselage, and tailboom.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures of the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA256 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 16, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Coralville, Iowa
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II
- N-number
- N322TC
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2005
- 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.