Pilot Debrief

HUGHES 369D near Atchison, KS — 2023-07-13

Final reportCEN23LA308
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Date
2023-07-13
Location
Atchison, KS, USA
Aircraft
HUGHES 369D
Registration
N533DR
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to adequately survey a field for obstructions prior to a low-level aerial application pass, which resulted in an impact with a powerline.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during an aerial application pass in a helicopter, he failed to observe a second lower powerline near a previously observed high-tension powerline. The pilot attempted to maneuver under the lower powerline but was unsuccessful, and the helicopter impacted the lower powerline and subsequently the terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system, the tail boom, and the tail rotor system. The pilot reported 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

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