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NTSB Report
March 24, 2009 · Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA · N139RJ
Chowchilla, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 24, 2009
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Chowchilla, CA
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA
Tail Number
N139RJ
Operator
American Helicopters
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR09CA163
The pilot of the helicopter was flying over an agricultural field at dawn performing frost control. He flew three passes over the field at a low altitude in order to distribute warm air onto the crops. During the passes, he observed power lines in the vicinity. On the fourth pass he descended to about 50 feet agl and lost sight of the power lines. Concerned that he may collide with them, he began to turn right. Halfway through the turn the main rotor blades struck the power lines. The helicopter descended to the ground, sustaining substantial damage to the fuselage and rotor system. The pilot said that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures.
NTSB Probable Cause
Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Wire-Response/compensation - C
Full Narrative
The pilot of the helicopter was flying over an agricultural field at dawn performing frost control. He flew three passes over the field at a low altitude in order to distribute warm air onto the crops. During the passes, he observed power lines in the vicinity. On the fourth pass he descended to about 50 feet agl and lost sight of the power lines. Concerned that he may collide with them, he began to turn right. Halfway through the turn the main rotor blades stuck the power lines. The helicopter descended to the ground, sustaining substantial damage to the fuselage and rotor system. The pilot said there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time06:39 PDT
Nearest AirportChowchilla (2nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson Helicopter R22 BETA
Tail NumberN139RJ
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAmerican Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 32 · Second Class · Serious
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 C / 34 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time13:53
Weather SourceWFAC