BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON 206L-1
Homer, AK — September 26, 2008
Event Information
| Date | September 26, 2008 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ANC08LA127 |
| Event ID | 20081003X62319 |
| Location | Homer, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 59.87917, -150.97806 |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON |
| Model | 206L-1 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 135 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an external load lift. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of situational awareness.
Full Narrative
On September 25, 2008, about 1615 Alaska daylight time, a Bell 206L-1 helicopter, N305MH, sustained substantial damage when it collided with power lines about 21 miles northeast of Homer, Alaska. The helicopter was being operated by Maritime Helicopters, Homer, as a visual flight rules (VFR) external load flight in conjunction with a local public utilities contract under Title 14, CFR Part 133, when the accident occurred. The solo airline transport pilot received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and company flight following procedures were in effect.
In a written statement dated October 15, the pilot reported that he completed the hover hookup of a long line, and forgot he was directly under high tension power lines. He said he started to lift the line when the main rotor blades contacted and severed the power lines. He reported that his next memory was being on the ground looking at the helicopter wreckage. He said that all helicopter operations were normal until contact with the wires. The helicopter sustained damage to the fuselage and rotor system.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.