N6180A

Substantial
None

BELL UH1BS/N: 62-1994

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
NTSB Number
GAA17CA355
Location
Williams, CA
Event ID
20170621X41911
Coordinates
39.201667, -122.153335
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’s failure to maintain clearance from transmission wires while maneuvering at a low altitude during an agricultural application flight.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
BELL
Serial Number
62-1994
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Year Built
1962
Model / ICAO
UH1BUH1
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1
Seats
6
FAA Model
UH-1B

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
JONES AVIATION INC
Address
PO BOX 497
City
BIGGS
State / Zip Code
CA 95917-0497
Country
United States

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