Pilot Debrief

Bell 206 near Yuma, AZ — 2019-01-12

Final reportWPR19TA061
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Date
2019-01-12
Location
Yuma, AZ, USA
Airport
knyl
Aircraft
Bell 206
Registration
N88HC
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power transmission wires while flying at low altitude in nighttime conditions.

NTSB narrative

During the nighttime visual flight rules flight, with no moon illumination, the commercial pilot was surveying a field to establish visual contact with reported power transmission wires prior to conducting an aerial application. The wires spanned the field along a west/easterly heading. While on a northerly heading, the pilot flew over the field and did not provide adequate separation from the wires. Subsequently the helicopter struck the wires at an altitude of about 30 ft above ground level and impacted terrain.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Surveying the field during daylight hours could have prevented the accident.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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