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Helicopter Strikes Power Line Shield Cables During Aerial Spraying (N508SC)

Oldtown, MD, US

On May 22, 1989, a Bell UH-1B (registration N508SC) operated by Precision Air Services, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Oldtown, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO SEE-AND-AVOID THE OBSTRUCTION (INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT). FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE OBSTRUCTION (STATIC WIRES), AND THE LACK OF VISUAL CUES FOR THE PILOT TO DETECT THE WIRES. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

A helicopter collided with two 3/8-inch shield cables atop a power line while spraying for gypsy moths over hilly terrain. The aircraft crashed on a hillside; no preimpact failure was found.

Incident Overview

A helicopter conducting aerial spraying operations for gypsy moth control collided with two 3/8-inch shield cables situated atop a power line. The incident occurred over hilly, wooded terrain near the boundary of the intended spray zone.

Sequence of Events

According to witnesses, spray was seen coming from the helicopter's spray booms at the time it struck the cables. Following the collision, the helicopter's nose rose upward and the aircraft rolled to the right before crashing onto the side of a hill.

Investigation Results

Investigators found no evidence of any preimpact part failure or mechanical malfunction in the helicopter. Additionally, the helicopter was not fitted with a wire cutter kit at the time of the accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 May 1989 Bell UH-1B accident near Oldtown, MD?

A helicopter collided with two 3/8-inch shield cables atop a power line while spraying for gypsy moths over hilly terrain. The aircraft crashed on a hillside; no preimpact failure was found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 May 1989 involved a Bell UH-1B, registration N508SC, operated by Precision Air Services, Inc., at Oldtown, MD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO SEE-AND-AVOID THE OBSTRUCTION (INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT). FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE OBSTRUCTION (STATIC WIRES), AND THE LACK OF VISUAL CUES FOR THE PILOT TO DETECT THE WIRES.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28250. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.