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Location:
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Randolph, Wisconsin
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Accident Number:
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CEN21LA349
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Date & Time:
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July 31, 2021, 09:30 Local
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Registration:
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N285RG
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Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural
Analysis
The pilot reported that while making a turn at the end of a field following an aerial application pass, the helicopter struck power lines and subsequently impacted the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and main rotor system. The pilot did not report any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operations. The pilot reported he was aware of the power lines but misjudged the position of the helicopter with reference to the lines and realized that he did not have sufficient room to make the turn without impacting the lines. The pilot stopped the turn and lowered the collective to attempt to pass under the power lines. The helicopter impacted the lower string of lines and impacted the ground, coming to rest almost upright.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during a low-level aerial application flight.
Findings
Personnel issues (general) Pilot
Personnel issues - Monitoring enviornment - Pilot
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Factual Information
History of Flight
Maneuvering-low-alt flying - Loss of visual reference
Maneuvering-low-alt flying - Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) (Defining event)
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Pilot Information
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Certificate:
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Commercial; Flight instructor
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Age:
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54,Male
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Airplane Rating(s):
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None
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Seat Occupied:
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Right
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Other Aircraft Rating(s):
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Helicopter
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Restraint Used:
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4-point
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Instrument Rating(s):
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Helicopter
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Second Pilot Present:
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No
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Instructor Rating(s):
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Helicopter; Instrument helicopter
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Toxicology Performed:
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Medical Certification:
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Class 2 With waivers/limitations
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Last FAA Medical Exam:
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June 4, 2021
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Occupational Pilot:
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Yes
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Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
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March 27, 2020
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Flight Time:
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7321 hours (Total, all aircraft), 5960 hours (Total, this make and model), 7125 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 287 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 205 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 9 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
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Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
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Aircraft Make:
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ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY
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Registration:
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N285RG
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Model/Series:
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R44 II
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Aircraft Category:
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Helicopter
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Year of Manufacture:
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2006
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Amateur Built:
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Airworthiness Certificate:
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Restricted (Special)
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Serial Number:
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11323
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Landing Gear Type:
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Skid
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Seats:
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4
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Date/Type of Last Inspection:
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Annual
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Certified Max Gross Wt.:
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2500 lbs
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Time Since Last Inspection:
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Engines:
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1 Reciprocating
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Airframe Total Time:
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3320 Hrs at time of accident
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Engine Manufacturer:
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Lycoming
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ELT:
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Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
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Engine Model/Series:
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IO-540-AE1AS
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Registered Owner:
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Rated Power:
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260 Horsepower
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Operator:
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Operating Certificate(s) Held:
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Agricultural aircraft (137)
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Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
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Conditions at Accident Site:
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Visual (VMC)
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Condition of Light:
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Day
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Observation Facility, Elevation:
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KUNU,936 ft msl
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Distance from Accident Site:
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15 Nautical Miles
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Observation Time:
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10:15 Local
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Direction from Accident Site:
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117°
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Lowest Cloud Condition:
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Clear
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Visibility
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7 miles
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Lowest Ceiling:
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Overcast / 600 ft AGL
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Visibility (RVR):
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Wind Speed/Gusts:
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3 knots /
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Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
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None / None
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Wind Direction:
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240°
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Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
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N/A / N/A
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Altimeter Setting:
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30.05 inches Hg
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Temperature/Dew Point:
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18°C / 16°C
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Precipitation and Obscuration:
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No Obscuration; No Precipitation
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Departure Point:
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Randolph, WI
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Type of Flight Plan Filed:
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None
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Destination:
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Randolph, WI
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Type of Clearance:
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None
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Departure Time:
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09:30 Local
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Type of Airspace:
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Class E
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Wreckage and Impact Information
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Crew Injuries:
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1 Serious
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Aircraft Damage:
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Substantial
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Passenger Injuries:
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Aircraft Fire:
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None
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Ground Injuries:
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Aircraft Explosion:
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None
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Total Injuries:
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1 Serious
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Latitude, Longitude:
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43.55696,-89.03637(est)
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Preventing Similar Accidents
Preventing Obstacle Collisions in Agricultural Operations
Accidents involving collisions with obstacles, including poles, wires, guy wires, meteorological evaluation towers (MET), or trees, are among the most common types of agricultural aircraft accidents. Some collisions involved obstacles that the pilots did not see (even during survey flights) but others involved obstacles that were known to the pilot and/or had characteristics that would make them visibly conspicuous.
Agricultural pilots should do the following:
- Maintain a quick-reference document (paper or electronic) at the operations base that contains field maps, charts, photographs, and details of all known obstacles.
- Frequently review current aeronautical charts for information about obstacles.
Before leaving the ground, spend time becoming familiar with all available information about the target field and programming navigation equipment. Such preflight action can help reduce the potential for confusion or distraction in flight.Conduct aerial surveys of the target field but do not rely solely on an aerial survey to identify potential obstacles.Conduct regular ground surveys of fields. Some towers can be erected in hours, and obstacles can change since you last worked that field. Speak with farmers and land owners to raise awareness about obstacle hazards.When possible, use ground crews. They may be in a better position to see certain obstacles and help you ensure that your aircraft remains clear of them.Watch for shadows and irregularities in growth patterns to help identify obstacles. Use GPS and other technology to maintain awareness of obstacle locations.Be aware that workload, fatigue, sun glare, and distractions in the cockpit can adversely affect your ability to see, avoid, or remember obstacles. Heavier loads and higher density altitudes can affect the performance of your aircraft.The National Agricultural Aviation Association's Professional Aerial Applicators' Support System reminds pilots that, when ferrying an aircraft or transitioning between sites, flying above 500 feet reduces obstacle collision risks: "Ferry Above Five and Stay Alive."
See http://www.ntsb.gov/safety/safety-alerts/documents/SA_035.pdf for additional resources.
The NTSB presents this information to prevent recurrence of similar accidents. Note that this should not be considered guidance from the regulator, nor does this supersede existing FAA Regulations (FARs).
Administrative Information
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Investigator In Charge (IIC):
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Lemishko, Alexander
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Additional Participating Persons:
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Peter Hupfer; FAA FSDO; Milwaukee, WI
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Original Publish Date:
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February 8, 2022 Investigation Class:
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4
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Note:
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The NTSB did not travel to the scene of this accident.
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Investigation Docket:
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https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=103607
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