Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II near Calexico, CA — 2023-12-06

Final reportWPR24LA092
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Date
2023-12-06
Location
Calexico, CA, USA
Airport
CXL
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Registration
N422DX
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an aerial application flight.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was on an aerial application flight and was maneuvering the helicopter at a low altitude. During a decent to a field, the main rotor blade struck a powerline wire. The pilot felt an unusual vibration and performed a precautionary landing. A postflight examination revealed that a main rotor blade sustained substantial damage. No preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation were reported.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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