Pilot Debrief

Enstrom 480 near Murphy, ID — 2020-06-04

Final reportWPR20CA171
Sign in to save
Date
2020-06-04
Location
Murphy, ID, USA
Aircraft
Enstrom 480
Registration
N130JS
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a power line while maneuvering during an aerial application flight.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during the aerial application flight, while maneuvering at low altitude, he came upon some trees and increased altitude to climbed above the treetops. He did not see that there were power lines behind the trees and did not have enough time to avoid colliding with two of the lines. The pilot was unable to maintain control of the helicopter descended in a slow spin to ground impact. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and tail boom. 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

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

Docket documents2

Related mishaps