ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44
Westby, WI — August 14, 2017
Event Information
| Date | August 14, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA491 |
| Event ID | 20170816X75406 |
| Location | Westby, WI |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 43.66028, -90.86111 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | ROBINSON HELICOPTER |
| Model | R44 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 137 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to see and avoid power lines while maneuvering at low altitude.
Full Narrative
The helicopter pilot reported that, during an aerial application flight, he performed a "high recon [reconnaissance]" pass over the field and observed houses, tree lines, and power lines surrounding the field. He added that he descended for the first pass, about 70 mph and 100 to 150 ft. above ground, and as he approached the end of the field, he "suddenly became aware of two [additional] large power lines stretched out in front of [him] at eye level and closing fast." He further added that, he "instinctively pulled up on the collective and back on the cyclic" and the fuselage cleared the wire, but suddenly there was a "violent lurch" when the tail rotor contacted the wire. Subsequently, the helicopter started to "spin out of control," the pilot braced for impact, and the helicopter impacted the terrain.
The fuselage, tail boom, and main rotor sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
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.