Pilot Debrief

BELL 206L-3 near Franklin, PA — 2022-07-19

Final reportERA22LA347
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Date
2022-07-19
Location
Franklin, PA, USA
Aircraft
BELL 206L-3
Registration
N203PA
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate visual lookout while flying at a low level over a river, which resulted in a wire strike.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was flying the helicopter following a river shoreline about 400 ft above ground level. He was scanning the horizon when he saw a “flash” and felt the helicopter shudder. He assessed the controllability of the helicopter and noted no anomalies, therefore, he continued the flight to a nearby airport. After landing, during the post flight examination of the helicopter, he found substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer of the helicopter. Furthermore, there were wire strike marks on the main rotor blade consistent with a wire strike. The operator reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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