ROBINSON HELICOPTER CO R66 near Delta, MO — 2021-10-05

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate inflight planning and his failure to see and avoid a wire which resulted in contact with the wire and subsequent ground impact.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during spray operations the helicopter contacted a wire and then impacted terrain, which damaged the main rotor mast and tail boom. Following the accident, the pilot realized the poles holding the wire were concealed by trees and that he should have conducted a more thorough inflight survey of the spray area. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Low altitude operation/event · Maneuvering-low-alt flying
• Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) · Maneuvering-low-alt flying
• Attention / Monitoring
• Planning / Preparation

Evidence available

• Photos
• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• PILOT/OPERATOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT, NTSB FORM 6120.1form
• PHOTO OF DAMAGE TO MAIN ROTOR MASTphotos

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