NTSB Factual Report

On November 7, 2017, about 0930 central standard time, a Bell 206B helicopter, N93PH, landed hard after experiencing an unexpected "yaw" near Rolling Fork, Mississippi. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom, and the pilot sustained minor injuries. The helicopter was registered to, and operated by, Provine Helicopter Service Inc., as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight originated from a nearby staging area about 0900.

The pilot reported that he was spraying a bayou when he felt the helicopter yaw. He climbed over the surrounding trees, but the helicopter didn't have enough power to sustain flight; therefore, he landed it in a field below. The helicopter landed hard and the main rotor blades severed the tailboom before the helicopter came to rest on its right side.

The helicopter has been moved to a secure location for further examination.