Pilot Debrief

BELL OH58A near Ulysses, KS — 2021-05-18

Final reportCEN21LA225
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Date
2021-05-18
Location
Ulysses, KS, USA
Aircraft
BELL OH58A
Registration
N176SJ
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line during the aerial application flight, which resulted in collision with the power line and subsequent impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was performing aerial application operations when the helicopter collided with a power line and subsequently impacted terrain. The pilot was fatally injured. The accident occurred during the pilot’s 21st pass over the field that day, and the pilot had been maneuvering to avoid the wire numerous times prior to the accident. Examination of the helicopter revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The circumstances of the accident are consistent with the pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the power line during the aerial application flight.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided maneuvering near powerlines during chemical application.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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