Pilot Debrief

Robinson R44 near Elma, IA — 2018-07-27

Final reportGAA18CA453
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Date
2018-07-27
Location
Elma, IA, USA
Aircraft
Robinson R44
Registration
N466EL
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

The helicopter pilot reported that, during a high reconnaissance of a field intended for agricultural application, he saw power lines to the north with lines running northwest to southeast. He then started the application on the southwest corner of the field, and while flying west to east, he saw another set of power lines crossing the southeastern corner of the field. About 14 ft above the ground, the main rotor blades impacted the lines, after which the helicopter pitched aft and then impacted the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and main rotor blades. 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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  • 1 docket document
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Docket documents1

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