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NTSB Report
August 1, 2011 · Texas Helicopter OH-13H/M74A · N51857
Joice, IA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 1, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Joice, IA
Aircraft
Texas Helicopter OH-13H/M74A
Tail Number
N51857
Operator
Scotts Helicopter Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN11CA535
The pilot reported that during an aerial application flight, he was paralleling a highway as he was applying chemical to a cornfield. He gained altitude to clear a homestead and then descended into the field to continue spraying. He reported that the helicopter impacted an unmarked wire that was strung diagonally between the road he was paralleling and the corner of the property. The helicopter impacted the field and the main rotor blades separated from the airframe, causing the helicopter to cartwheel prior coming to a stop. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades and fuselage. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure of the helicopter prior to the wire strike.
NTSB Probable Cause
Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Wire-Contributed to outcome
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he was paralleling a highway as he was applying chemical to a cornfield. He gained altitude to clear a homestead and then descended into the field to continue spraying once he cleared the homestead property. He reported that the helicopter impacted an unmarked wire that was strung diagonally between the road he was paralleling and the corner of the homestead property. The helicopter impacted the field and the main rotor blades separated from the airframe, causing the helicopter to cartwheel prior coming to a stop. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure of the helicopter prior to the wire strike.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftTexas Helicopter OH-13H/M74A
Tail NumberN51857
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorScotts Helicopter Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435-AIF · Reciprocating · 260
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 25 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0