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NTSB Report
August 22, 2018 · Hughes 369 D · N89ZC
Ridgeway, PA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 22, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Ridgeway, PA
Aircraft
Hughes 369 D (1981)
Tail Number
N89ZC
Operator
Rotor Blade
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA506
The pilot reported that, after a high reconnaissance of the area, he descended the helicopter to about 30 ft above power lines to inspect them while flying about 30 to 35 knots. While patrolling, he climbed over an identified crossing line and then initiated a descent. During the descent, the passenger spotted a previously unseen power line in their flightpath, so the pilot "pulled hard aft cyclic with right pedal," but the main rotor blades struck the power line. The helicopter's main rotor system began vibrating, but the pilot was able to land without further incident. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the 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
Aircraft-Aircraft propeller/rotor-Main rotor system-Main rotor blade system-Damaged/degraded - C
Full Narrative
The helicopter pilot reported that, after a high reconnaissance the helicopter was descended to about 30 ft above the power lines for the powerline inspection, while flying about 30-35 knots. While patrolling, they climbed over an identified crossing line, and then descended back down. During the decent , the passenger spotted a previously unseen power line in their flight path so the pilot "pulled hard aft cyclic with right pedal" but the main rotor blades struck the power line. The helicopter acquired a vibration in the main rotor system, but pilot was able to land without further incident. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:26 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHughes 369 D
Tail NumberN89ZC
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRotor Blade
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · 250-C20B · Turboshaft
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 41 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 1800 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time16:02
Weather SourcePILO