Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 near Hanlontown, IA — 2023-07-26

Final reportCEN23LA328
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Date
2023-07-26
Location
Hanlontown, IA, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44
Registration
N467HA
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a cable during spray operations.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while spraying at low altitude with power lines on the edges of the field, the airplane struck a cable, which resulted in substantial damage to the tail rotor blades and tail rotor drive shaft. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation and that he should have examined the field more thoroughly prior to conducting spray operations.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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