Robinson R44 Raven II, N285RG: Accident occurred July 31, 2021 in Randolph, Columbia County, Wisconsin

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. 

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident. 

Additional Participating Entity: 

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Milwaukee, Wisconsin

MF Helicopters LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N285RG

Location: Randolph, WI 

Accident Number: CEN21LA349

Date & Time: July 31, 2021, 10:20 Local

Registration: N285RG

Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II 

Injuries: 1 Serious

Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY

Registration: N285RG

Model/Series: R44 II 

Aircraft Category: Helicopter

Amateur Built: No

Operator: 

Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural aircraft (137)

Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: 

Condition of Light:

Observation Facility, Elevation: KUNU,936 ft msl 

Observation Time: 10:15 Local

Distance from Accident Site: 15 Nautical Miles

Temperature/Dew Point: 18°C /16°C

Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear

Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots / , 240°

Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 600 ft AGL

Visibility: 7 miles

Altimeter Setting: 30.05 inches Hg

Type of Flight Plan Filed:

Departure Point: 

Destination:

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious 

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries: 

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries:

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 1 Serious 

Latitude, Longitude: 43.54235,-89.018558 (est)

RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP (WKOW) -- The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a helicopter crash in Randolph township that left one person injured Saturday morning.

Officials were called about a helicopter that had crashed in a cornfield around 10:15 a.m. after hitting power lines.

Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, Friesland Fire Department, Cambria Fire Department, Randolph EMS, Randolph Fire Department, Beaver Dam Paramedics, UW Hospitals Med-Flight, Alliant Energy, and ATC assisted the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office at the incident.

Investigators said the helicopter was piloted by one person who attempted to fly under high power lines while crop dusting a field but hit the lines and went down a short distance away.

According to the sheriff's office, first responders were able to get the pilot out of the helicopter, who was treated by Randolph EMA and Beaver Dam Paramedics.

Deputies reported the pilot was later taken to a hospital by medical helicopter with non-life-threatening injuries.

The crash remains under investigation by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and Federal Aviation Administration.

https://wkow.com