Pilot Debrief

Bell 206 near New Salem, NC — 2019-10-17

Final reportERA20FA012
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Date
2019-10-17
Location
New Salem, NC, USA
Aircraft
Bell 206
Registration
N167AG
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in impact with a powerline.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was conducting an aerial application flight in the helicopter. During the relocation flight from the previous site, the pilot overflew the application area and a powerline before landing on a truck near the northwest end of the field to refill the helicopter’s chemical reservoir. A witness described a normal liftoff and departure from the truck. The helicopter proceeded north along the west side of the field before turning south, then he heard a “pop” that he attributed to the helicopter striking a powerline wire before he saw the helicopter descend and impact the field. Postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed that a section of a nearby powerline was entangled with the main and tail rotor drive systems, consistent with the helicopter having struck those wires.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Conducting thorough field recon before helicopter arrival could have prevented the accident.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents10

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