Summary
On July 31, 2019, a Robinson R44 (N3066T) was involved in an accident near Fessenden, ND. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. 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 wires during an agricultural application flight.
The helicopter pilot reported that, during the aerial application flight into rising terrain, he saw the powerline wires when the airspeed was about 40 knots. The helicopter struck the wires and rolled to the right, and subsequently descended. The helicopter touched down upright and bounced. The nose of the helicopter spun to the right and the right skid struck the ground. The helicopter rolled onto its left side and stopped.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor drive system.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
This accident is documented in NTSB report GAA19CA473. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N3066T.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from wires during an agricultural application flight.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The helicopter pilot reported that, during the aerial application flight into rising terrain, he saw the powerline wires when the airspeed was about 40 knots. The helicopter struck the wires and rolled to the right, and subsequently descended. The helicopter touched down upright and bounced. The nose of the helicopter spun to the right and the right skid struck the ground. The helicopter rolled onto its left side and stopped.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor drive system.
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# GAA19CA473