Robinson R44
Elma, IA — July 27, 2018
Event Information
| Date | July 27, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA453 |
| Event ID | 20180728X12710 |
| Location | Elma, IA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 43.33472, -92.38445 |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | Robinson |
| Model | R44 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 137 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure maintain clearance from power lines during an agricultural application flight.
Full Narrative
The helicopter pilot reported that, during a high reconnaissance of a field intended for aerial application, he saw power lines to the north, with wires running northwest to southeast. He then started the application on the southwest corner of the field, and while flying west to east, he saw another set of wires crossing the southeastern corner of the field. About 14 feet above the ground, the main rotor blades impacted the wire, the helicopter pitched aft, then broke free of the wires and impacted the ground.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and main rotor blades.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane 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.