Pilot Debrief

PIASECKI/PIKE PV-18 near Adelanto, CA — 2009-11-07

Final reportWPR10LA048
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Date
2009-11-07
Location
Adelanto, CA, USA
Airport
52CL
Aircraft
PIASECKI/PIKE PV-18
Registration
N183YP
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
3
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines during en route flight.

NTSB narrative

A pilot reported that he was flying his airplane about 0.5 mile behind and slightly above the accident helicopter. He had established radio contact with the two pilots during their takeoff and then made multiple unanswered radio calls to the pilots to warn them about approaching power lines. The main rotor blade struck the power lines and the helicopter subsequently descended into the terrain below and was consumed by a postcrash fire. On scene examination of the wreckage revealed evidence of engine rotation; no anomalies were noted that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have heeded warnings about the approaching wires.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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