On October 11, 1992, an Enstrom F-28A (registration N249Q) operated by Hi'er Av. Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Kitts Hill, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to see and avoid wires during the final approach, which resulted in a collision with the wires and subsequent loss of control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter pilot failed to spot wires crossing the final approach path during a high and low recon, resulting in a wire strike, bounce, and subsequent landing gear failure.
What happened
The pilot conducted a visual reconnaissance of an off-airport landing area using both high-altitude and low-altitude passes. During this assessment, the pilot observed some wires in the vicinity but failed to identify a specific set of wires that crossed directly along the intended final approach path.
As the helicopter descended to an altitude of approximately 20 feet above the ground, the main rotor blades struck the unseen wires. In response to the impact, the pilot immediately lowered the collective pitch control to initiate a landing. The aircraft bounced upon initial contact with the surface. During the second touchdown, the right skid collapsed under the stress, causing the main rotor blades to strike the ground.
The investigation
The physical evidence indicated that the primary damage was sustained during the final phase of flight. The collapse of the right landing skid was a direct result of the forces generated by the bounce and subsequent hard landing after the initial wire contact. The main rotor system sustained damage from ground contact following the structural failure of the landing gear.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to see and avoid wires during the final approach, which resulted in a collision with the wires and subsequent loss of control.