Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 near Mineral Point, WI — 2021-07-20

Final reportCEN21LA452
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Date
2021-07-20
Location
Mineral Point, WI, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44
Registration
N44XB
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to see and avoid a wire during an aerial application flight, resulting in a collision with the wire.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the helicopter was conducting agricultural application when he noticed the oil pressure light flickering just before making the 180o turn for his next run, and he turned toward a cornfield and made a precautionary landing. The pilot reported that the landing was soft, but the spray boom broke during landing. Two witnesses reported that the helicopter was maneuvering at low altitude and struck a wire before landing in the cornfield. They both reported that the pilot got out and examined the helicopter, got back in, took off, and departed the area. Photographs taken by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector showed that the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades. The pilot reported that he did not feel the impact of the rotor blades with the wire.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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