Accident Bell TH-13T Sioux N23590, Friday 2 July 1999

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Date:	Friday 2 July 1999
Time:	07:30 LT
Type:	Bell TH-13T Sioux
Owner/operator:	Southern Helicopter
Registration:	N23590
MSN:	3506
Year of manufacture:	1965
Engine model:	Lycoming VO-435-AIF
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Trenton, GA - United States of America
Phase:	Manoeuvring (airshow, firefighting, ag.ops.)
Nature:	Agricultural
Departure airport:
Destination airport:
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
According to the pilot, he was unable to maintain flight after a loss of rotor rpm. He initiated an autorotation and collided with trees during the descent. The pilot attempted the autorotation with about a five knot tail wind. The pilot reported no mechanical deficiencies with the helicopter.

Probable Cause: The loss of main rotor rpm due to improper use of the flight controls by the pilot. Factors were the tailwind and trees.

Accident investigation: