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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

November 15, 2012 · Bell 407 · N7160V

Riverton, WY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Incident
Date
November 15, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Riverton, WY
Aircraft
Bell 407
Tail Number
N7160V
Operator
Classic Helicopter Group
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
WPR13IA059

The helicopter crewmembers were returning to their home base after transporting a patient. The pilot was flying the helicopter at en route altitudes of around 80-100 feet above ground level and struck power lines; he was not following company operating specifications of a minimum altitude of at least 300 feet. The pilot reported that he did not observe the wires until after the initial impact and was able to land the helicopter off airport without incident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient altitude to clear power lines while maneuvering at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to follow company operating specifications for minimum altitude.

Full Narrative

On November 15, 2012, about 0700 mountain standard time, a Bell 407 helicopter, N7160V, sustained minor damage when it struck high tension power lines during cruise flight near Riverton, Wyoming. The helicopter was registered to Classic Medical Inc., and operated by Classic Helicopter Group, LLC, under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135. The airline transport pilot and two medical crew members were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a company visual flight rules flight plan was filed for the flight. The flight originated from the Wyoming Medical Center Heliport (WY57) Casper, Wyoming at 0633 with a planned destination of Riverton Regional Airport (RIW) Riverton, Wyoming. The helicopter medical crew members reported that they were returning to their home base after transporting a patient. One medical crew member reported that the ambient lighting conditions were good and no night vision goggles were in use. The pilot reported that he did not observe the wires until after the initial impact and was able to land the helicopter off airport, without incident. The medical crew member seated in the front left seat observed the wires but did not have sufficient time to warn the pilot prior to impact. Examination of the helicopter by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the main rotor blades, tail rotor and swashplate sustained minor damage. The company investigation revealed that the pilot was flying the helicopter at en route altitudes of around 80-100 feet above ground level. The company Operations Specifications (OPSEC) require an altitude of a least 300 feet above terrain and obstacles during day operations.

Flight

Event TypeIncident
Event Time07:00 MST
Nearest AirportRiverton Regional (40nm)
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 407
Tail NumberN7160V
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageMinor
OperatorClassic Helicopter Group
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls-Royc · 250-C47B · Turboshaft · 650
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 30 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point25 C / 19 C
Altimeter30.30 inHg
Observation Time14:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data