Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tree during an aerial application.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the helicopter reported that, while conducting an aerial application over an open area, the main rotor blades struck a tree that he had previously not seen. Subsequently, the helicopter began to spin to the left and impacted the terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and tailboom. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.