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July 20, 2021 · Robinson Helicopter R44 II · N983HA

West Liberty, IA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 20, 2021
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
West Liberty, IA
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 II (2004)
Tail Number
N983HA
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN21LA339

The pilot reported that he was performing an aerial application pass when he felt a “big tug” on the helicopter. The pilot realized he had struck a wire as the helicopter pitched up and started to slow. The helicopter flew about 150 yards when the pilot felt another “huge jerk” on the rear of the helicopter. The helicopter started to spin and rotated about 2-3 times before it impacted the ground and rolled over coming to rest on its left side. On exiting the helicopter, the pilot observed the wire wrapped around the helicopter. It had cut into the tail rotor gearbox “tearing it” off the helicopter. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operations. The pilot reported that prior to conducting the aerial application pass, he circled the field and did not observe any obstructions. The pilot did not submit the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to see and avoid a wire while maneuvering at low altitude during an aerial application flight, resulting in a collision with the wire.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he was performing an aerial application pass when he felt a “big tug” on the helicopter. The pilot realized he had struck a wire as the helicopter pitched up and started to slow. The helicopter flew about 150 yards when the pilot felt another “huge jerk” on the rear of the helicopter. The helicopter started to spin and rotated about 2-3 times before it impacted the ground and rolled over coming to rest on its left side. On exiting the helicopter, the pilot observed the wire wrapped around the helicopter. It had cut into the tail rotor gearbox “tearing it” off the helicopter. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operations. The pilot reported that prior to conducting the aerial application pass, he circled the field and did not observe any obstructions. The pilot did not submit the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:20 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44 II
Tail NumberN983HA
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-AE1A5 · Reciprocating · 375
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.06 inHg
Observation Time17:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data