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Casualties unknown

Helicopter Strikes Powerlines During Agricultural Run (N30JJ)

Moore Haven, FL, US

On September 23, 1994, a Bell 47G-2A (registration N30JJ) was involved in an aviation accident near Moore Haven, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain a visual lookout while maneuvering on a swath run, resulting in an in-flight collision with wires, and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain. 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 hit powerlines while making a swath run over an orange grove, causing a tail rotor separation, spin, ground impact, and post-crash fire.

Incident Overview

A pilot was conducting a swath run to the north over an orange grove. The pilot reported being aware of powerlines that ran parallel to the swath run to the north, as well as additional powerlines that crossed the end of the swath run from east to west. Upon reaching the end of the swath run, the helicopter collided with the wires, which separated the tail rotor from the helicopter.

Sequence of Events

After the collision, the helicopter began to spin to the right. It subsequently collided with the terrain and was destroyed by a postcrash fire. No other details regarding injuries, aircraft type, registration, or location were provided in the source.

Conclusion

The accident was caused by the helicopter's impact with powerlines during a low-altitude agricultural operation. The source did not specify any additional causal factors.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Sept 1994 Bell 47G-2A accident near Moore Haven, FL?

A helicopter hit powerlines while making a swath run over an orange grove, causing a tail rotor separation, spin, ground impact, and post-crash fire.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Sept 1994 involved a Bell 47G-2A, registration N30JJ, at Moore Haven, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain a visual lookout while maneuvering on a swath run, resulting in an in-flight collision with wires, and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02323. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.