NTSB Factual Report

The pilot reported he was conducting aerial agricultural operations in his helicopter and that he landed on the bed of the service truck. He reported that fungicide was added to the hopper, and he picked up off of the service truck to take off. As he nosed the helicopter over to pass through effective translational lift (ETL), he reported that he pulled in collective to climb, and that "I noticed wasn't gaining lift and was settling through ETL." The helicopter impacted a crop field and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and to the tail rotor drive shaft.

The pilot verified that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain a positive rate of climb after taking off from the service truck, which resulted in the helicopter impacting terrain.