Hiller-Rogerson Helicopter UH12E N4034Z accident near Madison, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot's encounter with a settling with power condition while he was performing slow, low-level, out-of- ground-effect flight maneuvers.

NTSB analysis

According to the helicopter pilot, he was completing north-south herbicide spray patterns with wind varying from east to south at 4 to 5 mph. As the pilot positioned the helicopter for the next northern track, after completing his turn, he began to feel it lose altitude. The pilot stated that he tried to regain control by pushing forward the cyclic and lowering the collective in an effort to get out of the settling with power. When ground contact was imminent, he raised the collective to cushion the impact. The helicopter touched down, spun, and rolled onto its left side. Postaccident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the tail boom. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11CA059 for the full record.