Casualties unknown

Pennsylvania State Police Helicopter Strikes Unmarked Power Lines Over Susquehanna River (N157P)

Airville, PA, US

On April 12, 1989, a Bell 206B (registration N157P) operated by Commonwealth OF Pa. was involved in an aviation accident near Airville, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO SEE AND AVOID THE UNMARKED POWER LINES STRETCHED ACROSS THE RIVER. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF VISUAL CLUES. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A Pennsylvania State Police helicopter searching for a possible drowning victim struck unmarked power lines crossing the Susquehanna River, with wreckage found in shallow water. The lines, not depicted on charts, were suspended 160 feet above the river.

Incident Overview

A helicopter operated by the Pennsylvania State Police was conducting a search over the Susquehanna River for a possible victim reported to have jumped into the water. While traveling in a southwesterly direction, the aircraft collided with power lines that were stretched east and west across the river.

Power Line Details

The wires were unmarked and located approximately 160 feet above the river surface. They were supported by 60-foot wooden poles that were set back into the treeline along the riverbank. The power lines were not depicted on any aeronautical charts of the area.

Wreckage Location

Following the impact, the helicopter wreckage came to rest in about 10 feet of water within the river.

Operational Context

The helicopter was from the Pennsylvania State Police, and the mission involved searching for a person who was believed to have entered the river. No further details regarding the flight or the search outcome were provided.

All Bell 206 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Apr 1989 Bell 206B accident near Airville, PA?

A Pennsylvania State Police helicopter searching for a possible drowning victim struck unmarked power lines crossing the Susquehanna River, with wreckage found in shallow water. The lines, not depicted on charts, were suspended 160 feet above the river.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Apr 1989 involved a Bell 206B, registration N157P, operated by Commonwealth OF Pa., at Airville, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO SEE AND AVOID THE UNMARKED POWER LINES STRETCHED ACROSS THE RIVER. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF VISUAL CLUES.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28180. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.