Summary
On October 27, 2018, a Bell OH 58A (N1032F) was involved in an accident near Carson City, NV. The accident resulted in 3 minor injuries. 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 power lines while maneuvering at a low altitude in hilly terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inability to determine the airplane’s altitude due to sun glare.
The helicopter pilot reported that, while maneuvering at a low altitude the main rotor blades struck power lines. He executed an emergency landing without further incident. The pilot added that the power lines were concealed by the sun and that the power lines were not annotated in his VFR sectional chart.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
This accident is documented in NTSB report GAA19CA039. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N1032F.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering at a low altitude in hilly terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inability to determine the airplane’s altitude due to sun glare.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The helicopter pilot reported that, while maneuvering at a low altitude the main rotor blades struck power lines. He executed an emergency landing without further incident. The pilot added that the power lines were concealed by the sun and that the power lines were not annotated in his VFR sectional chart.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane 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# GAA19CA039