Pilot Debrief

HUGHES 369HS near Delavan, MN — 2012-05-25

Final reportCEN12CA319
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Date
2012-05-25
Location
Delavan, MN, USA
Airport
FRM
Aircraft
HUGHES 369HS
Registration
N11ZX
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with power lines during an aerial application flight.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was spraying a drainage ditch when he encountered a railroad track embankment. He increased altitude to clear the tracks, but, as he descended back into the ditch on the opposite side of the tracks to continue spraying, he observed a set of power lines in his flight path. He attempted to maneuver to avoid the lines, but the left landing skid of the helicopter struck the lines. The helicopter subsequently impacted an adjacent corn field about 250 feet from the power lines. The pilot was seriously injured, and the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and tailboom. The pilot reported that there were no failures or malfunctions related to the helicopter before the accident.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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