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NTSB Report

July 13, 2009 · Robinson Helicopter R44 · N244HP

Marysville, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 13, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Marysville, CA
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44
Tail Number
N244HP
Operator
Dwelle David W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR09CA339

The private pilot reported that he was flying the helicopter about 500 feet above the ground and decided to descend to follow a riverbed. While descending to the river, one of the passengers alerted him to the presence of power line wires that obstructed their flight path. The pilot applied full aft cyclic and collective in an attempt to avoid colliding with the wires; however, the tail boom and tail rotor contacted the wires. The impact resulted in the separation of the tail rotor blades and the bottom section of the vertical stabilizer from the helicopter. Following the collision the pilot initiated an autorotation. Upon touchdown, the helicopter bounced and when it touched down again, it was moving sideways to the left and rolled over. The helicopter came to rest on the bank of the river on its left side. Examination of the helicopter revealed substantial damage to the main rotor assembly, the tail rotor assembly, vertical stabilizer, tail boom, and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the helicopter prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Wire-Response/compensation - C

Full Narrative

The private pilot reported that he was flying the helicopter about 500 feet above the ground and decided to descend to follow a riverbed. While descending to the river, one of the passengers alerted him to the presence of power line wires that obstructed their flight path. The pilot applied full aft cyclic and collective in an attempt to avoid colliding with the wires; however, the tail boom and tail rotor contacted the wires. The impact resulted in the separation of the tail rotor blades and the bottom section of the vertical stabilizer from the helicopter. Following the collision the pilot initiated an autorotation. Upon touchdown, the helicopter bounced and when it touched down again, it was moving sideways to the left and rolled over. The helicopter came to rest on the bank of the river on its left side. Examination of the helicopter revealed substantial damage to the main rotor assembly, the tail rotor assembly, vertical stabilizer, tail boom, and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the helicopter prior to the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:15 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44
Tail NumberN244HP
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDwelle David W
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-F1B5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 61 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data