Pilot Debrief

BELL 206B near Isom, KY — 2010-12-10

Final reportERA11LA083
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Date
2010-12-10
Location
Isom, KY, USA
Aircraft
BELL 206B
Registration
N263CH
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a known wire hazard during an aerial observation flight.

NTSB narrative

During a local aerial power line observation flight, the helicopter impacted the static wire for the power line. The pilot reported that he never lost control of the helicopter, but landed as soon as he could in a parking lot, which was about 1/4 mile from the wire strike. He further stated that prior to the wire strike; there were no mechanical anomalies with the helicopter. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector that responded to the accident site reported that a 12 inch piece of the 7-strand wire remained in the wire cutter located below the main rotor mast.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Other
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided the powerline by altering flight path earlier.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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