FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Helicopter strikes unmarked wire while flying low in valley (N200NH)

Gordon, KY, US

On June 17, 1993, an Enstrom F28C (registration N200NH) was involved in an aviation accident near Gordon, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while flying at low altitude in a valley, resulting in collision with an unmarked static wire. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter collided with an unmarked static wire approximately 450 feet above ground level while navigating a valley at low altitude. No evasive action was taken before impact, resulting in significant structural damage to the aircraft.

What happened

The helicopter was observed flying at a low altitude down a valley when it struck an unmarked static wire approximately 450 feet above ground level. There were no observations of any evasive maneuvers prior to the collision with the wire.

The investigation

Examination of the wreckage revealed that the static wire had made contact with the nose of the helicopter, specifically near the nose landing light. This impact caused the main rotor head to separate from the driveshaft, which in turn severed the tail boom.

Findings

An aeronautical sectional chart depicting the presence of wires was found within the wreckage, indicating that the hazard was known but not avoided during flight.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while flying at low altitude in a valley, resulting in collision with an unmarked static wire.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Jun 1993 Enstrom F28C accident near Gordon, KY?

A helicopter collided with an unmarked static wire approximately 450 feet above ground level while navigating a valley at low altitude. No evasive action was taken before impact, resulting in significant structural damage to the aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Jun 1993 involved an Enstrom F28C, registration N200NH, at Gordon, KY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while flying at low altitude in a valley, resulting in collision with an unmarked static wire.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12679. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.