Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's improper vertical takeoff in that he allowed the helicopter to drift rearward, and his failure to maintain clearance from the wire.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On May 8, 1994, about 1945 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R-22B, N54BA, collided with a telephone line during takeoff near Stone Mountain, Georgia. The helicopter was operated by the pilot under 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A flight plan was not filed for the personal flight. There were no injuries to the private pilot, nor his passenger, and the helicopter was substantially damaged. The flight was originating at the time.
According to the pilot, the helicopter was landed on a street in a residential area. On departure from the landing site, the tail rotor contacted a telephone line which was located behind the helicopter, about 20 feet above the curb. The pilot said that the collision occurred when he lowered the nose of the helicopter to initiate the transition to forward flight. After the collision, directional problems were experienced with the helicopter and an autorotation was made back to the street, which resulted in a hard landing.
A Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report NTSB Form 6120.1/2 was not received from the operator.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ATL94LA094