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January 22, 2021 · Mcdonnell Douglas Helicopter 600N · N60BK

Mankato, MN

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 22, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Mankato, MN
Aircraft
Mcdonnell Douglas Helicopter 600N (1998)
Tail Number
N60BK
Operator
Brim Equipment Leasing
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN21LA116

The pilot reported he had completed one line-pull in the helicopter and had gone back to the landing zone to refuel. After refueling, the pilot flew to the puller machine that was now at another structure. The rope was hooked up by the linemen as normal, but the hydraulic fluid had frozen on the puller machine and it was inoperative. The line was then unhooked by the linemen and the pilot was waved off. The pilot returned to the landing zone to wait for the puller machine to be repaired. After several minutes, the pilot heard the puller operator radio that the machine was operational, and he took off to head back to the structure. He received a second radio call that the machine was not ready, and the pilot turned and started back to the landing zone again. The pilot was concerned that the helicopter would need to be refueled again since pulls typically take about an hour. While flying parallel to the power lines and descending for landing at the fuel truck, he looked at the instrument panel timer to determine the fuel burned. As he looked back outside the helicopter, he saw the middle phase straw line and then felt the main rotor blades impact the straw line about 150 ft agl. The pilot reported the straw line is a 3/8-inch steel wire that is somewhat rusted and difficult to see in most lighting conditions. The pilot then landed near the fuel truck uneventfully. Three of the six main rotor blades were substantially damaged. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s loss of situational awareness while landing, resulting in an impact with power lines.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported he had completed one line-pull in the helicopter and had gone back to the landing zone to refuel. After refueling, the pilot flew to the puller machine that was now at another structure. The rope was hooked up by the linemen as normal, but the hydraulic fluid had frozen on the puller machine and it was inoperative. The line was then unhooked by the linemen and the pilot was waved off. The pilot returned to the landing zone to wait for the puller machine to be repaired. After several minutes, the pilot heard the puller operator radio that the machine was operational, and he took off to head back to the structure. He received a second radio call that the machine was not ready, and the pilot turned and started back to the landing zone again. The pilot was concerned that the helicopter would need to be refueled again since pulls typically take about an hour. While flying parallel to the power lines and descending for landing at the fuel truck, he looked at the instrument panel timer to determine the fuel burned. As he looked back outside the helicopter, he saw the middle phase straw line and then felt the main rotor blades impact the straw line about 150 ft agl. The pilot reported the straw line is a 3/8-inch steel wire that is somewhat rusted and difficult to see in most lighting conditions. The pilot then landed near the fuel truck uneventfully. Three of the six main rotor blades were substantially damaged. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

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

Aircraft

AircraftMcdonnell Douglas Helicopter 600N
Tail NumberN60BK
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBrim Equipment Leasing
Operating RulePart 133
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · 250-C47M · Turboshaft · 808
Seats8

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 54 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point14 C / 1 C
Altimeter30.24 inHg
Observation Time14:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data