N139RJ

Substantial
Serious

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETAS/N: 1683

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
NTSB Number
WPR09CA163
Location
Chowchilla, CA
Event ID
20090324X52648
Coordinates
37.125831, -120.203613
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N139RJ
Make
ROBINSON HELICOPTER
Serial Number
1683
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1991
Model / ICAO
R22 BETAR22
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
PREMIER HELICOPTER LLC
Address
711 S CARSON ST STE 4
Status
Deregistered
City
CARSON CITY
State / Zip Code
NV 89701-5292
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the helicopter was flying over an agricultural field at dawn performing frost control. He flew three passes over the field at a low altitude in order to distribute warm air onto the crops. During the passes, he observed power lines in the vicinity. On the fourth pass he descended to about 50 feet agl and lost sight of the power lines. Concerned that he may collide with them, he began to turn right. Halfway through the turn the main rotor blades stuck the power lines. The helicopter descended to the ground, sustaining substantial damage to the fuselage and rotor system. The pilot said there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR09CA163