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NTSB Report

July 19, 2024 · Bell OH-58A · N176SA

Hegins, PA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 19, 2024
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Hegins, PA
Aircraft
Bell OH-58A (2011)
Tail Number
N176SA
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA24LA314

The pilot explained that he flew a perimeter reconnaissance of the fields designated for fungicide application with the helicopter. He identified hazards to flight (wires, houses, terrain features, wind direction, etc.) and then completed applications over three of the assigned areas before beginning a fourth. As the pilot aligned the helicopter for an application pass and descended to “spray height” he detected a “loosely strung” powerline across his path that sagged to about “4-5 feet above the height of the corn.” The pilot attempted to climb the helicopter over the wire but was unsuccessful. Immediately after contact with the wire, the pilot experienced a “very rough” vertical vibration and decaying rotor rpm, so he initiated a power-on autorotation for landing. At touchdown on upsloping terrain, the helicopter pitched forward, the pilot corrected with an aft cyclic input, the helicopter entered a “dynamic rollover” to its right and came to rest on its right side substantially damaged. The pilot reported that he was uninjured in the accident, and that there were no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the helicopter preventing normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s inadequate pre-flight and in-flight planning, which resulted in the helicopter striking a wire hazard during an aerial application flight.

Full Narrative

The pilot explained that he flew a perimeter reconnaissance of the fields designated for fungicide application with the helicopter. He identified hazards to flight (wires, houses, terrain features, wind direction, etc.) and then completed applications over three of the assigned areas before beginning a fourth. As the pilot aligned the helicopter for an application pass and descended to “spray height” he detected a “loosely strung” powerline across his path that sagged to about “4-5 feet above the height of the corn.” The pilot attempted to climb the helicopter over the wire but was unsuccessful. Immediately after contact with the wire, the pilot experienced a “very rough” vertical vibration and decaying rotor rpm, so he initiated a power-on autorotation for landing. At touchdown on upsloping terrain, the helicopter pitched forward, the pilot corrected with an aft cyclic input, the helicopter entered a “dynamic rollover” to its right and came to rest on its right side substantially damaged. The pilot reported that he was uninjured in the accident, and that there were no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the helicopter preventing normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:08 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell OH-58A
Tail NumberN176SA
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls-Royc · T63-A-720 · Turboshaft · 400
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 43 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 F
Altimeter30.13 inHg
Observation Time12:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data