BELL 206

Roseville, PA — July 19, 2010

Event Information

DateJuly 19, 2010
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberERA10CA367
Event ID20100719X10927
LocationRoseville, PA
CountryUSA
Coordinates41.05416, -76.85445
Highest InjuryNONE

Aircraft

MakeBELL
Model206
CategoryHELI
FAR Part137
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None1
Total Injured0

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a known wire hazard.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the helicopter stated that he was conducting an aerial application flight over a river. He completed a site survey, noted wires in close proximity to the site, and began application at an altitude of 40 feet. The pilot stated that approximately three quarters of the way across the river, he "momentarily lost sight" of the power lines. The main rotor blades struck the power lines, and the pilot maneuvered the helicopter over a shallow water area. The helicopter lost anti-torque control and the pilot performed a hovering autorotation to the river, where it impacted rocks and rolled to the right. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system, fuselage and tail boom. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter, and that the accident could have been prevented with a more thorough examination of the spray site and adjustment of the spray pattern.

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.

All Aviation Events More in PA