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NTSB Report
July 6, 2017 · Bell 206 B · N8159J
Dixon, KY
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 6, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Dixon, KY
Aircraft
Bell 206 B (1970)
Tail Number
N8159J
Operator
Forming Agrotors
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA393
The helicopter pilot reported that he was maneuvering at low altitude during an agricultural application flight. While in a left turn, he did not see the power lines until they were very close. He increased the collective to climb, and he banked right to avoid impact. However, the tail rotor struck the power lines, and the helicopter lost tail rotor effectiveness. The pilot conducted an autorotation and landed the helicopter, but the tailboom impacted trees. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor gear box, the tail rotor blades, and the vertical stabilizer. 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 while maneuvering at a low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to adequately identify hazards to flight during agricultural application operation planning.
Full Narrative
The helicopter pilot reported that he was maneuvering at low altitude during an agricultural application flight. While in a left turn he did not see the power line wires until they were very close. He increased the collective to climb and he banked right to avoid impact. However, the tail rotor struck the power line wires and the helicopter lost tail rotor effectiveness. The pilot autorotated and the helicopter landed, but the tailboom impacted trees. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor gear box, the tail rotor blades and the vertical stabilizer. 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 Time16:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 206 B
Tail NumberN8159J
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorForming Agrotors
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls-Royc · 250-C20 · Turboshaft · 420
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 26 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility3 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 64 F
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time08:55
Weather SourceWFAC