Pilot Debrief

BELL 206 near Meeker, CO — 2010-11-03

Final reportCEN11FA053
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Date
2010-11-03
Location
Meeker, CO, USA
Aircraft
BELL 206
Registration
N8533F
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from electrical power lines during the low-altitude flight.

NTSB narrative

The helicopter pilot was conducting a low-altitude pipeline patrol in a valley in a remote mountainous area. Two witnesses observed the helicopter flying toward them at a low altitude when the helicopter struck the wires of a three-phase electrical distribution line that was suspended 95 feet above the valley. The main rotor system separated from the helicopter in flight and came to rest about 200 feet from the main wreckage. The pilot stated that he never saw the wires, but that as he felt the impact, he knew immediately that he had struck wires. The on-scene investigation found no preimpact anomalies.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot failed to maintain awareness of wire location during low altitude flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents27

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