ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 298139
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| Date: | Monday 14 August 2017 |
| Time: | 12:15 LT |
| Type: |  Robinson R44 |
| Owner/operator: | Mf Helicopters LLC. |
| Registration: | N97UP |
| MSN: | 0237 |
| Year of manufacture: | 1996 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 5353 hours |
| Engine model: | Lycoming O-540-F1B5 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | Westby, Wisconsin -
 United States of America
|
| Phase: | Manoeuvring (airshow, firefighting, ag.ops.) |
| Nature: | Agricultural |
| Departure airport: | EAST TROY, WI (57C) |
| Westby, WI | |
| Investigating agency: | NTSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
The helicopter pilot reported that, during an agricultural application flight, he performed a "high…[reconnaissance]" pass over the field and observed houses, tree lines, and power lines surrounding the field. He added that he descended for the first pass, about 70 mph and 100 to 150 ft above ground level, and as he approached the end of the field, he "suddenly became aware of two [additional] large power lines stretched out in front of [him] at eye level and closing fast." He further added that he "instinctively pulled up on the collective and back on the cyclic," and the fuselage cleared the wire, but suddenly there was a "violent lurch" when the tail rotor contacted the wire. Subsequently, the helicopter started to "spin out of control," the pilot braced for impact, and the helicopter impacted the terrain.
The fuselage, tailboom, and main rotor sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause: The pilot's failure to see and avoid power lines while maneuvering at low altitude.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
NTSB GAA17CA491
Location
Media:
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 15-Oct-2022 13:35 | ASN Update Bot | Added |
| 05-Dec-2023 15:56 | harro | Updated [Other fatalities, Embed code, Narrative] |
Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description
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