On July 14, 1993, a Sikorsky UH-60A (registration USA) operated by U.s. Customs Service was involved in an aviation accident near Hortense, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collision was caused by the aircraft striking unmarked wires while flying at low altitude, compounded by the pilot's failure to complete and obtain approval for a required mission risk assessment. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A U.S. Army helicopter operating for the U.S. Customs Service struck unmarked wires while flying at low altitude over the Altamaha River.
What happened
On the morning of the accident, a helicopter registered to the U.S. Army and operated by the U.S. Customs Service was traveling up the Altamaha River. At approximately 1030, a witness located about five miles south of the crash site observed the aircraft flying at treetop level, noting that it was traveling faster than most helicopters.
At 1033, a power outage occurred following a collision between the aircraft and unmarked wires situated 82 feet above the river surface.
Findings
The investigation determined that the pilot in command had failed to complete a required risk assessment worksheet for the assigned mission. Furthermore, this assessment had not been reviewed or approved by the appropriate authority. Evidence regarding the injuries sustained by the crew indicated that the copilot was positioned at the flight controls at the time of the impact.
Probable cause
The collision was caused by the aircraft striking unmarked wires while flying at low altitude, compounded by the pilot's failure to complete and obtain approval for a required mission risk assessment.