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NTSB Report
July 30, 2021 · Robinson Helicopter R66 · N857TL
Merry, NE
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 30, 2021
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Merry, NE
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R66 (2015)
Tail Number
N857TL
Operator
Higgins Leasing
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN21LA348
The pilot reported that while cresting a hill at the end of a field during an aerial application pass, the helicopter’s skids struck power lines and subsequently impacted terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom, and rotors. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operations. The pilot reported that the aerial application pass was over rolling hills with terrain elevation changes of about 300 ft. and that could not see the end of the field where the power lines were because of the hill. When he crested the hill and saw the powerlines at eye-level, he attempted to climb over the power lines, but the skids struck the top static wire.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Not attained/maintained
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that while cresting a hill at the end of a field during an aerial application pass, the helicopter’s skids struck power lines and subsequently impacted terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom, and rotors. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operations. The pilot reported that the aerial application pass was over rolling hills with terrain elevation changes of about 300 ft. and that could not see the end of the field where the power lines were because of the hill. When he crested the hill and saw the powerlines at eye-level, he attempted to climb over the power lines, but the skids struck the top static wire.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson Helicopter R66
Tail NumberN857TL
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHiggins Leasing
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · RR3300 · Turboshaft · 270
Seats5
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 31 · Second Class · Serious
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 14 kt
Visibility0.2 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter30.19 inHg
Observation Time10:53
Weather SourceWFAC