N17SP

On September 22, 1999, about 1450 Eastern Daylight Time, a Bell 206L-1, N17SP, owned and operated by the New York State Police, was substantially damaged while maneuvering near Randolph, New York. The certificated commercial pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that departed Chautauqua County/Jamestown Airport, Jamestown, New York; destined for Troop A Headquarters Heliport, Batavia, New York. No flight plan was filed for the public use flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to the Chief Pilot of the New York State Police, the pilot was conducting a drug erratication mission. The pilot was flying in a valley, approximately 200 feet above-ground-level, when the helicopter struck utility wires.

The pilot stated that he was flying into the sun, and did not see the utility wires. He added that before the accident, pilots were not required to wear helmets during their missions. After the accident, all pilots at the Troop A Headquarters were required to wear helmets.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector, the main rotor blades and the tailboom separated. The helicopter subsequently impacted terrain, and the fuselage sustained impact damage. The Inspector further stated that the towers, which supported the wires, were below the tree line. The wires were depicted on the current Detroit Sectional Aeronautical Chart.