Pilot Debrief

HUGHES 369 near Kaufman, TX — 2021-02-26

Final reportCEN21LA139
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Date
2021-02-26
Location
Kaufman, TX, USA
Aircraft
HUGHES 369
Registration
N58431
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line during low-level maneuvering.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the helicopter struck a power line while he pursued a small group of pigs during an aerial hunting flight. The helicopter was about 30 ft. above ground level when it struck an inactive power line running from a support pole to an abandoned farmhouse. The pilot executed a “quickstop” and landed normally in the field. Both power lines were cut, and the helicopter sustained substantial damage to one main rotor blade, one tail rotor blade, and the vertical stabilizer. There were no anomalies associated with the helicopter before the accident. According to the pilot, the operator had not previously conducted any flights at that location. He noted that, in the future, the operator will conduct a “recon of the area [and] not get below the tree line in an unfamiliar area.”

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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