BELL 407 near Riverton, WY — 2012-11-15
Final reportWPR13IA059
- Date
- 2012-11-15
- Location
- Riverton, WY, USA
- Airport
- RIW
- Aircraft
- BELL 407
- Registration
- N7160V
- Category
- Helicopter
- Highest injury
- None
- Fatalities
- 0
- Phase of flight
- Cruise
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient altitude to clear power lines while maneuvering at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to follow company operating specifications for minimum altitude.
NTSB narrative
The helicopter crewmembers were returning to their home base after transporting a patient. The pilot was flying the helicopter at en route altitudes of around 80-100 feet above ground level and struck power lines; he was not following company operating specifications of a minimum altitude of at least 300 feet. The pilot reported that he did not observe the wires until after the initial impact and was able to land the helicopter off airport without incident.
Analysis
- Primary failure mode
- Human factors
- First missed decision gate
- Pilot should have maintained required altitude of at least 300 feet above terrain.
NTSB coding
- Low altitude operation/event · Enroute-change of cruise level
- Decision Making / Judgment
Evidence available
- 5 docket documents