Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain during agricultural application operations.
NTSB analysis
The helicopter pilot reported that, during his third agricultural application pass over a hilly field, he quickly glanced at an instrument inside the cockpit, and the helicopter impacted terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the cabin, fuselage, and tailboom. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA278 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 23, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pittsfield, Illinois
- Nearest airport
- Pittsfield Penstone Muni (PPQ)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 206
- N-number
- N158H
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1980
- 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.