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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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July 15, 2015 · Robinson Helicopter R44 Undesignat · N8337Z

Sandusky, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 15, 2015
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Sandusky, MI
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 Undesignat (1996)
Tail Number
N8337Z
Operator
Hawk Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA15CA227

The pilot reported that after landing at a remote off-airport site, he was informed by the site owner that the helicopter had collided with a wire during the landing approach. The pilot stated that "I didn't feel anything" when the owner of the field informed him that he struck the wires. The pilot reported that prior to departing on the next leg of his flight he performed a preflight inspection and found a "slight scratch on the tail rotor". The pilot stated that, "the helicopter sounded and felt okay" during the pre-takeoff run-up, and he departed for his home where the helicopter is stored. A post-accident inspection revealed that the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor drive system. The pilot stated that there were no pre-accident malfunctions or anomalies that would have prevented normal flight operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to monitor the landing environment while operating in a confined off-airport site resulting in a wire strike and substantial damage to the helicopter.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that after landing at a remote off-airport site, he was informed by the site owner that the helicopter had collided with a wire during the landing approach. The pilot stated that "I didn't feel anything" when the owner of the field informed him that he struck the wires. The pilot reported that prior to departing on the next leg of his flight he performed a preflight inspection and found a "slight scratch on the tail rotor". The pilot stated that, "the helicopter sounded and felt okay" during the pre-takeoff run-up, and he departed for his home where the helicopter is stored. A post-accident inspection revealed that the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor drive system. The pilot stated that there were no pre-accident malfunctions or anomalies that would have prevented normal flight operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44 Undesignat
Tail NumberN8337Z
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHawk Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540 F1B5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30° @ 6 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 48
Altimeter30.06 inHg
Observation Time16:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data