Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II near Hawesville, KY — 2025-06-25

Final reportERA25LA240
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Date
2025-06-25
Location
Hawesville, KY, USA
Airport
OWB
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Registration
N144WK
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-level agricultural spray operations.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during an aerial application flight, he made multiple passes over the field, while avoiding power lines. On the accident pass, the helicopter struck one of the power lines suspended above the field with the center of the rotor mast. The helicopter subsequently impacted terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom, and main rotor blades during the accident sequence. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact 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

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