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September 29, 2013 · Texas Helicopter OH-13E/M74 · N38113

Santa Maria, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 29, 2013
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Santa Maria, CA
Aircraft
Texas Helicopter OH-13E/M74 (1977)
Tail Number
N38113
Operator
R&S Crop Dusters
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR13LA429

The pilot reported that before he began his first aerial application run, he flew overhead to scout the designated field for hazards and noted a power line near the field. He stated that he had a "momentary lapse" during his first application pass and flew through the wires, which shattered the cabin's main Plexiglass bubble and struck the main rotor mast. Both push-pull flight control tubes were compromised just above the swashplate. The helicopter fell to the ground and came to rest upright on its landing skids. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate monitoring of the environment and failure to maintain clearance from transmission wires during a low-altitude maneuver.

Full Narrative

On September 29, 2013, about 0930 Pacific daylight time, a Texas Helicopter Corp OH-13/M74, N38113, was substantially damaged when it struck power transmission wires and impacted the ground near Santa Maria, California. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. R & S Crop Dusters, Inc., was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight, which had originated from a nearby staging area approximately 10 minutes before the accident. A flight plan had not been filed. The pilot reported that before he began his first application run, he flew overhead scouting the designated field for hazards and noted the power line. On his first pass, he had a "momentary lapse" and flew through the wires. The biggest wire shattered the cabin's main Plexiglass bubble and struck the main rotor mast. Both push-pull flight control tubes were compromised just above the swashplate. The helicopter fell to the ground and came to rest upright on its landing skids. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftTexas Helicopter OH-13E/M74
Tail NumberN38113
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorR&S Crop Dusters
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435 SERIES · Reciprocating · 260
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 C
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time15:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data