BELL OH-58A
Roswell, NM — July 10, 2010
Event Information
| Date | July 10, 2010 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN10CA395 |
| Event ID | 20100714X65634 |
| Location | Roswell, NM |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 33.65778, -104.31167 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | BELL |
| Model | OH-58A |
| 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 maintain clearance from transmission wires.
Full Narrative
In a statement provided by the commercial pilot, during the aerial application flight, the pilot scouted the application area for transmission wires. He noted their locations and began to disperse the applicant. While flying east, the rising sun momentarily disoriented the pilot resulting in a collision with a transmission wire. The pilot performed a forced landing to an open area. An inspection of the helicopter revealed damage to the main rotor pitch change links and swash plate. The pilot confirmed that there were no malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter prior to the accident.
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.