CircumFlightN7452F Hughes 269C accident
NTSB WPR23LA105 · 2023-02-06 · Yakima, WA
Docket — crew, injuries and powerplant
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that, while flying low along the river, the helicopter collided with an unseen wire. The pilot subsequently accomplished a landing in the shallow water of the river without further incident. A main rotor blade was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to see and avoid a powerline while flying at low altitude over a river. The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident.
Circumstances
- Event type
- Accident
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather conditions
- Visual Meteorological Cond
- Light condition
- Day
- Sky condition
- BKN
- Ceiling (ft)
- 12000
- Visibility (sm)
- 9
- Wind direction
- 160
- Wind speed (kt)
- 3
- Temperature (F)
- 43
- Distance from field
- 0.0
Aircraft
| Registration | Make | Model | Damage | FAR part |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N7452F | HUGHES | 269C | SUBS | 091 |
Sequence of events
| # | Occurrence | Phase |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Maneuvering-low-alt flying Low altitude operation/event defining | Climb |