Richards Heavylift Helo Inc UH-1H accident near Oakdale, IL
On July 31, 2023, a Richards Heavylift Helo Inc UH-1H (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Oakdale, IL. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- July 31, 2023
- Place
- Oakdale, IL
- Aircraft
- Richards Heavylift Helo Inc UH-1H · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 38.254°N, 89.437°W
- NTSB ID
- 20230731192758
Official records · CEN23FA340
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHTOn July 31, 2023, about 1311 central daylight time (CDT), a Richard’s Heavylift Helo UH-1H helicopter, N567VF, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Oakdale, Illinois. The pilot was fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. ADS-B data showed the helicopter departed the Mount Vernon Airport, Mount Vernon, Illinois, about 0714 CDT (all times CDT unless noted). After spraying several fields, the helicopter began to work the field closest to the accident site at 1305. The helicopter made several passes over the field from the north and south. Each pass appeared consistent with turns to the east to continue spraying the field. At 1310, the helicopter made a turn to the west over the powerlines and then impacted terrain. Figure 1. ADS-B Data with Wreckage Location A resident who lives about 1.4 miles to the west of the accident site reported hearing and seeing the helicopter as it sprayed the field. The engine sounded normal until she did not hear an engine sound. When she looked over towards the field, she saw a plume of dust. PERSONNEL INFORMATIONFlight records could not be located for the pilot. Partial flight times were extracted from company dispatch logs and records on file with the FAA. The pilot also worked part time as an air ambulance pilot. The air ambulance company reported that the pilot passed a check ride in a Bell 407 helicopter on February 14, 2023. WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATIONThe helicopter came to rest in a corn field. All major heli
Probable cause
An in-flight loss of control for undetermined reasons.
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Browse: Illinois
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
