Summary
On March 24, 2009, a Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA (N139RJ) was involved in an accident near Chowchilla, CA. The accident resulted in 1 serious 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 the power lines.
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.
This accident is documented in NTSB report WPR09CA163. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N139RJ.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
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