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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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May 10, 2017 · Robinson Helicopter R44 II · N428JG

Vevay, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 10, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Vevay, IN
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 II (2003)
Tail Number
N428JG
Operator
Ag-Max
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA279

The pilot reported that he accomplished a high reconnaissance of the field before maneuvering to descend for an agricultural application. He recalled that his attention was split between visually acquiring the intended application area and the indications on his digital map mounted in the cockpit. He descended below a tree line into the intended application area, but "I was still attempting to compare the crop on my field to my map, and was not looking outside the aircraft as diligently as required." He diverted his attention outside the cockpit and noticed power lines at eye level. He immediately lowered the collective and applied forward cyclic, but the main rotor mast struck the power lines. He landed the helicopter in the field; however, the main rotor blades sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to see and avoid power lines during an agricultural application flight due to distraction when reading a map.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he accomplished a high reconnaissance before maneuvering to descend for an aerial application. He recalled that his attention was split between visually acquiring the intended application area and the indications on his digital map mounted in the cockpit. He descended below a tree line into the intended application area, but "I was still attempting to compare the crop on my field to my map, and was not looking outside the aircraft as diligently as required." He diverted his attention outside the cockpit and noticed powerline wires at eye level. He asserted that he immediately lowered the collective and applied forward cyclic, but the main rotor mast struck the powerline wires. He landed the helicopter in the field, however, the main rotor blades sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:27 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44 II
Tail NumberN428JG
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAg-Max
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-AE1A5 · Reciprocating · 205
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 42 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter29.92 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data