Summary
On December 05, 1997, a Schramm HELICYCLE (N3275Q) was involved in an accident near Big Timber, MT. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines. The pilot's diverted attention and transmission wires were factors.
On December 5, 1997, about 1300 mountain standard time, N3275Q, a homebuilt Schramm Helicycle helicopter, operated by the owner/pilot, impacted power lines and was substantially damaged while maneuvering near Big Timber, Montana. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The local business flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91.
In a written statement, the pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to demonstrate the helicopter to prospective investors who were present. The pilot stated that he was aware of the power lines and had intended on giving them a wide berth, however, during a high speed fly-by, he became distracted because of a low engine coolant temperature.
This accident is documented in NTSB report SEA98LA020. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N3275Q.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines. The pilot's diverted attention and transmission wires were factors.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On December 5, 1997, about 1300 mountain standard time, N3275Q, a homebuilt Schramm Helicycle helicopter, operated by the owner/pilot, impacted power lines and was substantially damaged while maneuvering near Big Timber, Montana. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The local business flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91.
In a written statement, the pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to demonstrate the helicopter to prospective investors who were present. The pilot stated that he was aware of the power lines and had intended on giving them a wide berth, however, during a high speed fly-by, he became distracted because of a low engine coolant temperature. The pilot indicated that he did not follow his intended flight path, and didn't see the power lines until the last moment. The pilot stated that he rolled the helicopter to a near 90 degree angle and the main rotor blades collided with and cut the wires. The helicopter subsequently crashed in snow on level terrain. A dead power line was wrapped around the rotor mast. Two other live wires were "sizzling" and "snapping" in the snow nearby.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA98LA020