Loss of control in flight: Bell UH-1H Iroquois, N567VF, fatal accident occurred on July 31, 2023, near Oakdale, Illinois

• Location: Oakdale, Illinois 
• Accident Number: CEN23FA340 
• Date & Time: July 31, 2023, 13:11 Local 
• Registration: N567VF 
• Aircraft: RICHARDS HEAVYLIFT HELO INC UH-1H 
• Aircraft Damage: Substantial 
• Defining Event: Loss of control in flight 
• Injuries: 1 Fatal 
• Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural

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https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=192758

On 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.

The pilot was flying an aerial application flight in a pattern consisting of north-south passes starting on the western edge of the field with turns to the east to work the field. ADS-B and onboard GPS devices that recorded the accident flight showed that before the accident, for undetermined reasons, the helicopter turned to the west, descended, and impacted terrain

An examination of the helicopter and its engine did not detect any preimpact anomalies that would have contributed to a loss of control. A visual examination of the nearby power lines did not show evidence of arcing or damage to the lines or power pole.

The pilot’s severe coronary artery disease increased his risk of experiencing a sudden impairing or incapacitating cardiac event, such as arrhythmia, chest pain, or heart attack. The autopsy does not provide evidence that such an event occurred; however, such an event does not leave reliable autopsy evidence if it occurs shortly before death. Even severe coronary artery disease may not cause major symptoms.

Toxicology results indicate that the pilot had used the medication cetirizine. The cetirizine levels in his cavity blood and tissue indicate a possibility that the pilot may have been experiencing some associated impairing effects, such as mild sedation, at the time of the accident. However, it is also possible that the pilot was not experiencing any impairing effects of his cetirizine use.

- Probable Cause: An in-flight loss of control for undetermined reasons.