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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

January 30, 2008 · Bell OH-58A · N902SF

Brawley, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 30, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Brawley, CA
Aircraft
Bell OH-58A
Tail Number
N902SF
Operator
Farm Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX08CA054

The pilot was spraying fields at night. He had just completed spraying a field and was climbing out to move to a second field when the helicopter collided with unmarked high tension electrical wires. He felt the impact and was momentarily blinded by the bright electrical flash. The pilot reported that the helicopter was out of control and after about 2 or 3 seconds, the helicopter impacted the ground. After impact, he unbuckled his seatbelt and exited the helicopter. He reported that the engine was still running and he continued to experience some blindness. The pilot walked a few steps away from the helicopter before his vision regained. He looked back at the helicopter to make sure there was no fire, and then went back to it, and shut it down. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical problems with the helicopter. The pilot said he had been spraying in this area for years and was aware of the general location of the power lines in the area.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from obstacles. A factor in the accident was the dark night conditions.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he was spraying fields at night, and prior to the accident he had just completed spraying a field. During the transition climb out to the second field, the helicopter struck high tension electrical wires. He felt the impact and knew that he was going to crash. The pilot reported the helicopter was out of control and he was momentarily blinded by the flash from the electrical wires. He regained his eyesight and noted that the helicopter was rolling to the right and flying in a curved direction. After about 2 or 3 seconds, the helicopter impacted the ground. After impact, the pilot unbuckled his seatbelt and exited the helicopter. He reported that the engine was still running and he continued to experience some blindness. The pilot walked a few steps away from the helicopter before his regained his vision. He looked back at the helicopter to make sure there was no fire, and went back to it, and shut it down. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical problems with the helicopter. The National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge interviewed the pilot, he stated that he had been spraying in this area for years and was aware of the power lines in the area.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:45 PST
Nearest AirportBrawley Muni (4nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell OH-58A
Tail NumberN902SF
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFarm Aviation
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · T63 · Turboshaft

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind290° @ 3 kt
Visibility25 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data