NTSB Final Report: Mayesville, SC
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Location:
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Mayesville, South Carolina
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Accident Number:
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ERA26LA234
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Date & Time:
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June 8, 2026, 15:15 Local
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Registration:
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N144CD
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Aircraft:
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ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44
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Aircraft Damage:
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Substantial
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Defining Event:
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Miscellaneous/other
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Injuries:
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1 Serious
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Flight Conducted Under:
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Part 137: Agricultural
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Analysis
The pilot of the aerial application helicopter explained that he flew around the cornfield to identify hazards to flight (wires, houses, terrain, features, etc.) and then began aerial application operations. About 50 acres into the aerial application, the pilot was conducting a turn and checking his GPS when the glare from the sun made it difficult to see. The pilot described that he then misjudged the helicopter’s clearance from power lines and the helicopter impacted one of the top wires on the powerline with right skid and application boom. The helicopter then impacted the ground and came to rest on its left side, seriously injuring the pilot and resulting in substantial damage to the main rotor system, engine mounts, fuselage, and tailboom. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures of the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The pilot’s failure to remain clear of a power line during an aerial application flight.
Findings
Factual Information
History of Flight
Pilot Information
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Certificate:
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Commercial Age:
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48,Male
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Airplane Rating(s):
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None Seat Occupied:
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Right
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Other Aircraft Rating(s):
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Helicopter Restraint Used:
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3-point
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Instrument Rating(s):
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None Second Pilot Present:
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No
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Instructor Rating(s):
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None Toxicology Performed:
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Medical Certification:
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Class 2 With waivers/limitations Last FAA Medical Exam:
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March 24, 2026
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Occupational Pilot:
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Yes Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
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March 25, 2026
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Flight Time:
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6758.7 hours (Total, all aircraft), 2867.2 hours (Total, this make and model)
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Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
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Aircraft Make:
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ROBINSON HELICOPTER
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Registration:
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N144CD
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Model/Series:
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R44
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Aircraft Category:
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Helicopter
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Year of Manufacture:
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1999
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Amateur Built:
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Airworthiness Certificate:
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Normal; Restricted (Special)
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Serial Number:
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0602
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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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May 15, 2026 100 hour
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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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24.4 Hrs
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Engines:
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1 Reciprocating
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Airframe Total Time:
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3899.3 Hrs as of last inspection
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Engine Manufacturer:
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LYCOMING
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ELT:
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Not installed
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Engine Model/Series:
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O-540-F15
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Registered Owner:
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LITTLE GATOR AVIATION INC
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Rated Power:
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250 Horsepower
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Operator:
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On file
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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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SMS,181 ft msl
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Distance from Accident Site:
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11 Nautical Miles
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Observation Time:
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15:35 Local
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Direction from Accident Site:
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273°
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Lowest Cloud Condition:
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Clear
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Visibility
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10 miles
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Lowest Ceiling:
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None
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Visibility (RVR):
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Wind Speed/Gusts:
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4 knots / None
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Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
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None / None
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Wind Direction:
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120°
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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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30.1 inches Hg
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Temperature/Dew Point:
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33°C / 22°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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Mayesville, SC
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Type of Flight Plan Filed:
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VFR
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Destination:
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Mayesville, SC
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Type of Clearance:
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None
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Departure Time:
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Type of Airspace:
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Class G
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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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N/A
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Aircraft Fire:
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None
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Ground Injuries:
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N/A
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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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33.990192,-80.140765(est)
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Preventing Similar Accidents
Preventing Obstacle Collisions in Agricultural Operations (SA-035)
The Problem
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.
What can you do?
- 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 you leave 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.
- 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.
- Speak with farmers and land owners to raise awareness about obstacle hazards.
- 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.
- Understand the performance limitations and requirements for your aircraft, particularly when operating with heavier loads and at higher density altitudes.
- 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 https://www.ntsb.gov/Advocacy/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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Lewis, David
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Additional Participating Persons:
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H. Todd Clamp; FAA/FSDO; West Columbia, SC Joe Montalvo; FAA/FSDO; Columbia , SC
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Original Publish Date:
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July 30, 2026
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Last Revision Date:
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Investigation Class:
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Class 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=203147
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