Robinson R44
Fessenden, ND — July 31, 2019
Event Information
| Date | July 31, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA473 |
| Event ID | 20190731X04607 |
| Location | Fessenden, ND |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 47.64917, -99.62917 |
| 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 to maintain clearance from wires during an agricultural application flight.
Full Narrative
The helicopter pilot reported that, during the aerial application flight into rising terrain, he saw the powerline wires when the airspeed was about 40 knots. The helicopter struck the wires and rolled to the right, and subsequently descended. The helicopter touched down upright and bounced. The nose of the helicopter spun to the right and the right skid struck the ground. The helicopter rolled onto its left side and stopped.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor drive system.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions 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.