Summary
On May 07, 2017, a Rotorcraft Development Corp OH-58A+ (N993YC) was involved in an incident near Waterloo, IL. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot’s failure to see and avoid transmission wires while maneuvering at a low altitude.
The helicopter pilot reported that while maneuvering at a low altitude for an agricultural application flight he began flying along the north side of the intended spraying field. He added that he was paying attention to the trees along the field to maintain adequate clearance. He further added that the main rotor blades struck transmission line wires, and then he heard a "high pitch sound that came from the engine" and the rpm decreased.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA17CA265. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N993YC.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to see and avoid transmission wires while maneuvering at a low altitude.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The helicopter pilot reported that while maneuvering at a low altitude for an agricultural application flight he began flying along the north side of the intended spraying field. He added that he was paying attention to the trees along the field to maintain adequate clearance. He further added that the main rotor blades struck transmission line wires, and then he heard a "high pitch sound that came from the engine" and the rpm decreased. The nose pitched up and the helicopter impacted the ground and rolled onto its right side.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported that he had noticed the transmission line wires earlier in flight, but later had forgotten where they were located.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA17CA265