Robinson R44 N7085M

Summary

On 6 November 2017 at about 19:10 local time, a Robinson R44 registered N7085M was involved in an accident near Larchwood, Iowa, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 were seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

6 November 2017 at 19:10

Classification

Accident

Location

Larchwood, Iowa, United States

Coordinates

43.3822, -96.4392

Aircraft

Robinson R44

Registration

N7085M

Category

Helicopter

Year built

1998

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Aerial Observation

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Larchwood → Larchwood

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

IMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN18LA025

2 people were seriously injured.

The pilot's loss of situational awareness, which resulted in his failure to maintain adequate clearance from powerlines.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot was conducting a helicopter flight to assist with herding cattle that had gotten loose. According to multiple witnesses on the ground, the helicopter impacted powerlines and then terrain. Video of the accident showed the helicopter facing away from the powerlines at the time of the collision with the powerlines. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation at the time of the accident. The witnesses on the ground indicated that there was unlimited visibility and no precipitation at the time of the accident. Thus, the pilot was likely focused on the cattle and lost situational awareness regarding the helicopter's proximity to the powerlines, which resulted in the collision with the powerlines and terrain.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.