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NTSB Report
December 11, 1987 · Texas Helicopter WASP/M74L · N51843
Petaluma, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 11, 1987
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Petaluma, CA
Aircraft
Texas Helicopter WASP/M74L
Tail Number
N51843
Operator
Wilder Steven
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX88DVD01
DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT, WHILE ON THE LAST PASS, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A POWER LINE THAT BECAME ENTANGLED IN THE ROTOR BLADES. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN. THERE WERE NO REPORTED MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE AIRCRAFT PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.
Full Narrative
DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT, WHILE ON THE LAST PASS, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A POWER LINE THAT BECAME ENTANGLED IN THE ROTOR BLADES. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN. THERE WERE NO REPORTED MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE AIRCRAFT PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:45 PST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftTexas Helicopter WASP/M74L
Tail NumberN51843
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWilder Steven
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435-A1F · Reciprocating · 265
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 47 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 12 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 43 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:45
Weather SourceWFAC