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April 30, 2009 · Bell OH-58A · N175SJ

Arvin, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 30, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Arvin, CA
Aircraft
Bell OH-58A
Tail Number
N175SJ
Operator
San Joaquin Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR09CA220

The pilot was on the last local aerial application flight of the day. Prior to starting the job, he flew above and around the field to check for obstructions and power lines. The field had numerous electrical feeder wires, with north-south power lines on the west and east ends of the 1/2-mile-long field. This application required the material be applied while making east-west passes above the feeder wires and oil pumps. Upon maneuvering onto the last eastbound pass, he applied aft cyclic to climb above the location of feeder wires. Several seconds later, he felt a sudden jarring and vibration emitting from the rear portion of the helicopter. He felt that he had possibly struck a wire that he did not see, and continued flying the helicopter in an eastbound direction to perform an emergency landing. As he began slowing, the front of the helicopter began yawing to the right in a southeast direction and it was headed towards a triple strand of east-west power lines and a small oil pump 25 feet south of the electrical lines. In anticipation of a second wire strike, he closed the throttle and began an autorotation prior to the helicopter striking the east-west power lines. It came to rest in an upright position facing in a southwest direction. He could hear the engine operating and performed emergency engine shutdown procedures. Visual examination revealed that the tail rotor made contact with the first set of power lines and separated along with its gearbox. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades and fuselage after the second contact.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Wire-Awareness of condition - C

Full Narrative

The pilot was on the last local aerial application flight of the day. Prior to starting the job, he flew above and around the field to check for obstructions and power lines. The field had numerous electrical feeder wires running throughout the job site, with north-south power lines on the west and east ends of the 1/2-mile-long field. This application required the material to be applied while making east-west passes above the feeder wires and oil pumps. Upon maneuvering onto the last eastbound pass, he applied aft cyclic to climb above the location of feeder wires. Several seconds later, he felt a sudden jarring and vibration emitting from the rear portion of the helicopter. He felt that he had possibly struck a wire that he did not see, and continued flying the helicopter in an eastbound direction to perform an emergency landing. As he began slowing, the front of the helicopter began yawing to the right in a southeast direction. It was headed towards a triple strand of east-west power lines and a small oil pump positioned approximately 25 feet south of the triple strand electrical lines. In anticipation of a second wire strike, he closed the throttle and began an autorotation prior to the helicopter striking the east-west power lines. It came to rest in an upright position facing in a southwest direction. He could hear the engine operating and performed emergency engine shutdown procedures. He exited the helicopter after all motion stopped, and met his field supervisor, who had already arrived and disconnected the aircraft battery. The tail rotor made contact with the first set of power lines and separated along with its gearbox. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades and fuselage after the second contact.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell OH-58A
Tail NumberN175SJ
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSan Joaquin Helicopters
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls-Royce Allison · T63 · Turboshaft · 420
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 C
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time01:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data