Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 near Westby, WI — 2017-08-14

Final reportGAA17CA491
Sign in to save
Date
2017-08-14
Location
Westby, WI, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44
Registration
N97UP
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to see and avoid power lines while maneuvering at low altitude.

NTSB narrative

The helicopter pilot reported that, during an agricultural application flight, he performed a "high…[reconnaissance]" pass over the field and observed houses, tree lines, and power lines surrounding the field. He added that he descended for the first pass, about 70 mph and 100 to 150 ft above ground level, and as he approached the end of the field, he "suddenly became aware of two [additional] large power lines stretched out in front of [him] at eye level and closing fast." He further added that he "instinctively pulled up on the collective and back on the cyclic," and the fuselage cleared the wire, but suddenly there was a "violent lurch" when the tail rotor contacted the wire. Subsequently, the helicopter started to "spin out of control," the pilot braced for impact, and the helicopter impacted the terrain. The fuselage, tailboom, and main rotor sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

Related mishaps