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NTSB Report
July 27, 2018 · Robinson R44 II · N466EL
Elma, IA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 27, 2018
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Elma, IA
Aircraft
Robinson R44 II (2005)
Tail Number
N466EL
Operator
Airbourn Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA453
The helicopter pilot reported that, during a high reconnaissance of a field intended for agricultural application, he saw power lines to the north with lines running northwest to southeast. He then started the application on the southwest corner of the field, and while flying west to east, he saw another set of power lines crossing the southeastern corner of the field. About 14 ft above the ground, the main rotor blades impacted the lines, after which the helicopter pitched aft and then impacted the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and main rotor blades. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure maintain clearance from power lines during an agricultural application flight.
Full Narrative
The helicopter pilot reported that, during a high reconnaissance of a field intended for aerial application, he saw power lines to the north, with wires running northwest to southeast. He then started the application on the southwest corner of the field, and while flying west to east, he saw another set of wires crossing the southeastern corner of the field. About 14 feet above the ground, the main rotor blades impacted the wire, the helicopter pitched aft, then broke free of the wires and impacted the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and main rotor blades. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:10 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson R44 II
Tail NumberN466EL
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAirbourn Aviation
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-AE1A5 · Reciprocating · 245
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 43 · Second Class · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter30.11 inHg
Observation Time23:15
Weather SourceWFAC