Summary
On June 21, 2017, a Bell UH1B (N6180A) was involved in an incident near Williams, CA. 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 maintain clearance from transmission wires while maneuvering at a low altitude during an agricultural application flight.
The helicopter pilot reported that, while maneuvering at a low altitude during an aerial application flight, he "forgot to duck" for some nearby transmission wires. The tail rotor struck the transmission wires and the helicopter impacted terrain.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA17CA355. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N6180A.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from transmission wires while maneuvering at a low altitude during an agricultural application flight.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The helicopter pilot reported that, while maneuvering at a low altitude during an aerial application flight, he "forgot to duck" for some nearby transmission wires. The tail rotor struck the transmission wires and the helicopter impacted terrain.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident 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# GAA17CA355