Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 near Larchwood, IA — 2017-11-06

Final reportCEN18LA025
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Date
2017-11-06
Location
Larchwood, IA, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44
Registration
N7085M
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of situational awareness, which resulted in his failure to maintain adequate clearance from powerlines.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot was conducting a helicopter flight to assist with herding cattle that had gotten loose. According to multiple witnesses on the ground, the helicopter impacted powerlines and then terrain. Video of the accident showed the helicopter facing away from the powerlines at the time of the collision with the powerlines. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation at the time of the accident. The witnesses on the ground indicated that there was unlimited visibility and no precipitation at the time of the accident. Thus, the pilot was likely focused on the cattle and lost situational awareness regarding the helicopter's proximity to the powerlines, which resulted in the collision with the powerlines and terrain.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Avoiding maneuvering near powerlines during cattle herding.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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