Pilot Debrief

ROTORCRAFT DEVELOPMENT CORP OH-58A+ near Waterloo, IL — 2017-05-07

Final reportGAA17CA265
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Date
2017-05-07
Location
Waterloo, IL, USA
Aircraft
ROTORCRAFT DEVELOPMENT CORP OH-58A+
Registration
N993YC
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to see and avoid transmission wires while maneuvering at a low altitude.

NTSB narrative

The helicopter pilot reported that, while maneuvering at a low altitude for an agricultural application flight, he began flying along the north side of the intended spraying field. He added that he was paying attention to the trees along the field to maintain adequate clearance. He further added that the main rotor blades struck transmission wires and that he then heard a "high pitch sound" coming from the engine and the rpm decrease. The nose pitched up, and the helicopter impacted the ground and rolled onto its right side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that he had noticed the transmission wires earlier in flight but that he later forgot where they were located.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
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Docket documents2

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