Robinson R44 II N285RG

Summary

On 31 July 2021 at about 14:30 local time, a Robinson R44 II registered N285RG, operated by MF Helicopters LLC, was involved in an accident near Randolph, Wisconsin, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

31 July 2021 at 14:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Randolph, Wisconsin, United States

Coordinates

43.5570, -89.0364

Aircraft

Robinson R44 II

Registration

N285RG

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2006

Engines

1

Operator

MF Helicopters LLC

Operating rule

Part 137: Agricultural

Purpose of flight

Aerial Application

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Randolph → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN21LA349

1 person was seriously injured.

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during a low-level aerial application flight.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while making a turn at the end of a field following an aerial application pass, the helicopter struck power lines and subsequently impacted the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and main rotor system. The pilot did not report any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operations. The pilot reported he was aware of the power lines but misjudged the position of the helicopter with reference to the lines and realized that he did not have sufficient room to make the turn without impacting the lines. The pilot stopped the turn and lowered the collective to attempt to pass under the power lines. The helicopter impacted the lower string of lines and impacted the ground, coming to rest almost upright.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.