N828BA

Substantial
Minor

Bell 206BS/N: 3426

Accident Details

Date
Friday, March 23, 2007
NTSB Number
NYC07CA084
Location
Lewes, DE
Event ID
20070415X00416
Coordinates
38.766666, -75.133331
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
2
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
4

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in an in flight collision with utility wires during takeoff, and a subsequent impact with terrain.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N828BA
Make
BELL
Serial Number
3426
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Year Built
1981
Model / ICAO
206BB06
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
HELOAIR
Address
PO BOX 203
Status
Deregistered
City
SANDSTON
State / Zip Code
VA 23150-0203
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of a Bell 206B helicopter stated that she was conducting a charter flight. She was picking up three passengers at a housing construction site, and taking them to an airport. After the third passenger boarded, the pilot hovered the helicopter, and initiated a takeoff to the southwest over an approximate 300-foot grass area. About 50 feet agl, as the helicopter reached effective translational lift, the pilot lowered the collective and immediately saw a wire stretch across the windscreen and ride upward. The helicopter subsequently impacted the field, rolled left, and came to rest on its left side. During the impact, the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC07CA084