NTSB Factual Report

On June 27, 2016, at 2010 Pacific daylight time, a Robinson R44 helicopter, N8325X, experienced a loss of engine power during cruise and made a forced landing to an open field in El Centro, California. Custom Ag operated the helicopter under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an agricultural crop dusting operation. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the night local crop dusting flight that departed a private airstrip about 2000, the night of the accident.

According to inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the pilot was transitioning from the airstrip to a crop that he would be spraying. At the time of the accident, the helicopter did not have any chemical spraying product onboard. The intent was to fly to the field, meet the truck with the chemical and upload the chemical product at the field.

Shortly after takeoff, while in cruise flight, the pilot felt a vibration, along with a low rpm horn, as well as a loss of engine power. The pilot decided to make an autorotation. During the turn into the wind, the pilot observed that the engine was still at idle. The pilot rolled on the throttle, as the engine returned to 100-percent, he raised the collective and the rpm decreased again along with an engine vibration. The helicopter touched down hard on uneven terrain; the right toe skid dug into the ground and broke, which caused the helicopter to roll onto its right side.

The helicopter has been recovered for additional examination.