Pilot Debrief

MD HELICOPTER INC 369D near LULING, LA — 2018-05-20

Final reportCEN18FA182
Sign in to save
Date
2018-05-20
Location
LULING, LA, USA
Aircraft
MD HELICOPTER INC 369D
Registration
N362JS
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Hover

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the powerline structure while hovering, which resulted in an inadvertent collision with the structure and an uncontrolled descent into terrain.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot and two crewmembers of the helicopter were performing external load operations to repair high-tension power line structures. The pilot reported that, during the fourth repair of the flight, he was hovering the helicopter next to the power line structure when he noticed a "rumbling" and the helicopter descending. The helicopter impacted the ground beneath the structure, seriously injuring one of the two crewmembers, while the second crewmember sustained fatal injuries. Examination of the helicopter revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The power line structure displayed paint transfer consistent in color with that of the helicopter. There was also a puncture hole about 6 inches in length under the upper horizontal plate of the structure, consistent with the dimensions of a main rotor blade. Therefore, it is likely that the pilot failed to maintain clearance from the power line structure while hovering, resulting in contact with the structure.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the operation when he noticed the helicopter descending.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents11

Related mishaps