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NTSB Report
July 31, 2023 · Robinson Helicopter R44 II · N644ME
Arthur, IL
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 31, 2023
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Arthur, IL
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 II (2013)
Tail Number
N644ME
Operator
Ras Aviation
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN23LA341
The pilot reported that he had confirmed that there were no powerlines to avoid before entering a field to perform spray operations. While spraying next to a tree line and approaching a road, the pilot could not recall whether there were powerlines or not. The pilot reported that while making a precautionary maneuver to avoid any potential powerlines, he had forgotten about the tree line. The helicopter struck a tree branch, and subsequently impacted terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and main rotor blades. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during a low-level aerial application flight.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he had confirmed that there were no powerlines to avoid before entering a field to perform spray operations. While spraying next to a tree line and approaching a road, the pilot could not recall whether there were powerlines or not. The pilot reported that while making a precautionary maneuver to avoid any potential powerlines, he had forgotten about the tree line. The helicopter struck a tree branch, and subsequently impacted terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and main rotor blades. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44 II
Tail NumberN644ME
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRas Aviation
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-AE1A5 · Reciprocating · 245
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class · Serious
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 F
Altimeter30.13 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC