N369GN

Substantial
None

HUGHES 369HSS/N: 140553S

Accident Details

Date
Monday, August 18, 2014
NTSB Number
CEN14CA444
Location
Saint Peter, MN
Event ID
20140821X05028
Coordinates
44.152778, -93.534721
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot did not see the wires resulting in the subsequent wire collision.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
HUGHES
Serial Number
140553S
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Model / ICAO
369HS
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
369HS

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
BIG BIRD LEASING INC
Address
39567 FORT RD
City
SAINT PETER
State / Zip Code
MN 56082-5138
Country
United States

Analysis

During an application flight, the pilot maneuvered the helicopter in order to conduct another pass, maintaining vigilance of the high lines and trees in the vicinity of his operations. The pilot stated that he did not see the 2 wires spanning from across the road into the bean field where he was applying insecticide. He flew right into the wires which subsequently entangled around the mast of the helicopter. During the forced landing to the field, the "controls locked up" and the helicopter spun to the right 3 times before impacting the ground. The helicopter was substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN14CA444