Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II near The Dalles, OR — 2013-06-25

Final reportWPR13CA354
Sign in to save
Date
2013-06-25
Location
The Dalles, OR, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Registration
N74666
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to see and avoid wires while maneuvering at a low-altitude, which resulted in the main rotor blades striking the wires.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was maneuvering at a low altitude over a cherry orchard as part of a drying operation. The light was low due to cloudy weather conditions and he did not see corroded copper wires that were adjacent to the orchard. He noticed a pole that had shiny wires on one side, which gave him the illusion that that was the end of the power line, since he could not see the other connected pole that was obscured by trees. The main rotor blades were substantially damaged when they contacted the wire. The pilot reported no pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

Related mishaps