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NTSB Report
March 12, 2020 · Robinson Helicopter R44 II · N4386W
Sterling City, TX
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 12, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Sterling City, TX
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 II (2009)
Tail Number
N4386W
Operator
Aerial Crane Enterprises
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN20LA442
The pilot reported to local law enforcement that while conducting an aerial application flight, the helicopter impacted power lines. He said that while he had crossed over the power lines multiple times during the application flight; however, the sun was blocked by a cloud and the power line was not visible due to the lack of a reflection off the line. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor mast. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector that examined the helicopter on scene, he reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Not attained/maintained
Full Narrative
The pilot reported to local law enforcement that while conducting an aerial application flight, the helicopter impacted power lines. He said that while he had crossed over the power lines multiple times during the application flight; however, the sun was blocked by a cloud and the power line was not visible due to the lack of a reflection off the line. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor mast. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector that examined the helicopter on scene, he reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time22:45 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44 II
Tail NumberN4386W
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAerial Crane Enterprises
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 33 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 13 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 F
Altimeter29.96 inHg
Observation Time18:35
Weather SourceWFAC