Pilot Debrief

BELL 206B near Auburn, CA — 2010-10-14

Final reportWPR11LA016
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Date
2010-10-14
Location
Auburn, CA, USA
Aircraft
BELL 206B
Registration
N2763M
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a transmission line during flight.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff for the repositioning flight, and while transitioning along a canyon, he felt a vibration through the helicopter. The pilot initiated an autorotation and landed on a downsloping dirt road. The helicopter rolled over, coming to rest on its right side. Postaccident examination revealed that the helicopter impacted an unmarked transmission line. The line spanned an 800-foot gap across a small divide from a fenced electric substation to a power pole on a high outcropping. The pilot and passenger did not see the line at any time during the flight. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the helicopter prior to the vibration.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided the area with unmarked power lines during repositioning.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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