Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA near Chowchilla, CA — 2009-03-24

Final reportWPR09CA163
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Date
2009-03-24
Location
Chowchilla, CA, USA
Airport
2O6
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA
Registration
N139RJ
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the helicopter was flying over an agricultural field at dawn performing frost control. He flew three passes over the field at a low altitude in order to distribute warm air onto the crops. During the passes, he observed power lines in the vicinity. On the fourth pass he descended to about 50 feet agl and lost sight of the power lines. Concerned that he may collide with them, he began to turn right. Halfway through the turn the main rotor blades struck the power lines. The helicopter descended to the ground, sustaining substantial damage to the fuselage and rotor system. The pilot said that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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