Pilot Debrief

HUGHES 369D near Lee, MA — 2009-03-10

Final reportERA09LA194
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Date
2009-03-10
Location
Lee, MA, USA
Aircraft
HUGHES 369D
Registration
N369RT
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the overhead wire.

NTSB narrative

While hovering the helicopter during the installation of a transmission wire about 70 feet above the ground, the pilot inadvertently allowed the left horizontal stabilizer to move laterally until it was beneath the wire. When the pilot attempted to climb the helicopter away from the wire, the wire hooked the stabilizer. The helicopter subsequently pitched forward and the main rotor blades and rotor mast also became entangled with the wire. The main rotor blades and tail boom then broke away from the helicopter, which spun once or twice before hitting the ground. There were no mechanical anomalies noted with the helicopter and no appreciable wind.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided flying too close to the utility pole and wires.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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