Primary finding
Probable cause
A collision with water following a loss of visual reference to the water surface due to sun glare.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the helicopter departed the landing zone to conduct an aerial application flight over a lake. He stated that he established course on his spray line but “lost sight of everything looking forward due to the glare off the water and the sun position.” He recalled having no depth perception when he looked down at the water and could not recall the helicopter impacting the water but recalled a momentary shudder followed by the helicopter coming to rest inverted. The helicopter’s fuselage, main and tail rotor blades were substantially damaged during the impact. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.