Pilot Debrief

Robinson R44 near Fessenden, ND — 2019-07-31

Final reportGAA19CA473
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Date
2019-07-31
Location
Fessenden, ND, USA
Aircraft
Robinson R44
Registration
N3066T
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from wires during an agricultural application flight.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during the agricultural application flight into rising terrain, he saw power wires. He said he "lowered the collective…slightly nose down" to attempt to go under the wires, but the helicopter struck the wires, rolled right, and started descending. The helicopter touched down, bounced, spun right, and then rolled onto its left side. 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.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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  • 2 docket documents
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Docket documents2

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