Probable cause
The pilot's misjudgment of altitude during low-altitude spraying operations, which resulted in an in-flight collision with water.
NTSB analysis
The helicopter pilot stated that he was spraying pesticide over a lake, adding that weather conditions were overcast skies and calm winds. He was spraying from east to west and west to east, and trying to keep his altitude between 50 and 200 feet above the water, and speed of about 30 miles per hour. He stated that the spray runs were about a mile. He was finishing up his 14th takeoff and landing for the day. He said the lake was glassy and that it was difficult to judge his altitude; he then flew into the water and flipped over. He reported no mechanical problems with the helicopter.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09CA090 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 15, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Osceola County, Florida
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell OH-58C
- N-number
- N659HA
- Category
- Helicopter
- 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.