Investigator In Charge (IIC): Lemishko, Alexander
The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.
Additional Participating Entity:
Greg Young; Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Lincoln, Nebraska
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:
Blue Stem Leasing LLC
Location: Ithaca, Nebraska
Accident Number: CEN22LA345
Date and Time: July 28, 2022, 12:15 Local
Registration: N719TF
Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural
Analysis
The pilot was enroute to the next field he would spray and used a handheld GPS unit to navigate. When he finished imputing information into the GPS, he looked up and saw power lines across his flight path. The pilot pulled up on the collective and cyclic to climb; however, the helicopter struck the upper power line. The pilot entered an autorotation, during which the pilot felt unusual vibrations, but had full authority of the flight controls. The helicopter settled into a mature stand of corn, which resulted in structural damage to the tail boom and main rotor system. The pilot stated that he should have climbed to 500 ft agl before he used his GPS to navigate to the next field.
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 low level aerial application operations due to a distraction.
Findings
Personnel issues (general) - Pilot
Personnel issues Monitoring environment - Pilot
Aircraft Altitude - Not attained/maintained
Environmental issues Wire - Awareness of condition
Factual Information
History of Flight
Maneuvering-low-alt flying Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) (Defining event)
Pilot Information
Certificate: Commercial; Flight instructor
Age: 32, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Helicopter
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Helicopter; Instrument helicopter
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 2 With waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: March 30, 2022
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: April 6, 2022
Flight Time: 1010 hours (Total, all aircraft), 340 hours (Total, this make and model), 153 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 145 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY
Registration: N719TF
Model/Series: R44 II
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 2005
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted (Special)
Serial Number: 10990
Landing Gear Type: Skid
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: July 23, 2022 100 hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection: 27 Hrs
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2854 Hrs at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: IO-540-AE1A5
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 245 Horsepower
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural aircraft (137)
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KAHQ,1224 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 5 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 12:15 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 327°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 20°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.11 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 25°C / 11°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Ithaca, NE
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Ithaca, NE
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:
Type of Airspace: Class E
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 41.1628,-96.5397(est)
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).
WARRANTY: There is no warranty, express or implied for the information provided herein or the condition, useability, workability, operability or marketability of the rotorcraft salvage. All times are approximate and the logbooks and rotorcraft should be inspected by each bidder BEFORE BIDDING. Failure of the bidder to view the salvage or wreckage, or confirm any information provided is NOT grounds for a claim or withdrawal of bid after bid closing date.) All Sales Are FINAL.
HOURS estimated from logbooks or other information - not guaranteed or warranted,
AIRCRAFT: 2005 Robinson R44 II N719TF, s/n: 10990
Last Annual Inspection on 02/01/22 at Coll Hobbs 2608
ENGINE: Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5, s/n: L-30650-48A
The last Annual inspection is dated 02/01/22 at ETT 2608, TSMOH 408, Coll Hobbs 2608.0
Last 100 Hour inspection is dated 07/25/22 at ETT 2827, TSMOH 627
LINKS TO DOCUMENTATION:
EQUIPMENT: Photo added 12/16/22
DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT: The tail rotor struck a wire during an aerial application
DESCRIPTION OF DAMAGES: See Repair Estimate & Photos
LOCATION OF AIRCRAFT: Hexagon Helicopters, Inc., Omaha, Nebraska
REMARKS:
Insurer reserves the right to reject any and all bids.
Salvage is as is/where is.
The posting information is the best to our knowledge.
Logbooks may not be complete.
Read more: http://www.avclaims.com
Location: Ithaca, Nebraska
Accident Number: CEN22LA345
Date and Time: July 28, 2022, 12:15 Local
Registration: N719TF
Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY
Registration: N719TF
Model/Series: R44 II
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built:
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site:
Condition of Light:
Observation Facility, Elevation:
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site:
Temperature/Dew Point:
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility:
Altimeter Setting:
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point:
Destination:
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 41.1628,-96.5397 (est)
July 28, 2022: Crop duster autorotated after striking a wire. Fire department extinguished grass fire causing by the crash.
Date: 28-JUL-22
Time: 17:30:00Z
Regis#: N719TF
Aircraft Make: ROBINSON
Aircraft Model: R44
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: SUBSTANTIAL
Activity: AERIAL APPLICATION
Flight Phase: UNKNOWN (UNK)
Operation: 137
City: ITHACA
State: NEBRASKA
Investigator In Charge (IIC): Williams, David
The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.
Additional Participating Entities:
Benjamin Heming; Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Anchorage, Alaska
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:
Ace Flyers Inc
Alaska Ultimate Safaris
Location: Homer, Alaska
Accident Number: ANC16CA051
Date and Time: August 4, 2016, 11:30 Local
Registration: N719TF
Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Birdstrike
Injuries: 3 None
Flight Conducted
Under: Part 91: General aviation
Analysis
The pilot stated that while en route, about 1,000 feet above ground level (agl), a loud sound was heard in conjunction with feeling a "bump." At this point, a vibration was felt in the control pedals and a precautionary landing was executed. Upon inspection, an estimated 3-inch area of the tail rotor blade exhibited signs consistent with buckling.
Witnesses on the ground reported seeing an object consistent with a bird fall from the sky after contact with the helicopter. No panels or other equipment was missing from the helicopter during an inspection following the landing. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies 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:
An in-flight collision with a bird resulting in damage to a tail rotor blade, which required replacement.
Findings
Aircraft (general) - Damaged/degraded
Environmental issues Animal(s)/bird(s) - Effect on equipment
Factual Information
History of Flight
Enroute-cruise Birdstrike (Defining event)
Pilot Information
Certificate: Airline transport
Age: 39,Female
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Single-engine sea; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane; Helicopter
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane single-engine
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: November 2, 2015
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: October 21, 2015
Flight Time: 9600 hours (Total, all aircraft), 85 hours (Total, this make and model), 8130 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 125 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 50 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY
Registration: N719TF
Model/Series: R44 II
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 2005
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 10990
Landing Gear Type: N/A; Skid
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: July 1, 2016 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2500 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 23 Hrs
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1003 Hrs at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-540-AE1A5
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 245 Horsepower
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PAHO,73 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 6 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 22:53 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 305°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility 6 miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 4700 ft AGL
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 60°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.02 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / 13°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: Moderate - None - Mist
Departure Point: HOMER, AK (HOM)
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Destination: HOMER, AK (HOM)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time:
Type of Airspace:
Airport Information
Airport: HOMER HOM
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 84 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used:
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 None
Latitude, Longitude: 59.585277,-151.329437 (est)
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