FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Helicopter Collides with Power Lines After Spray Run (N8591F)

Carver, MA, US

On July 8, 1996, a Bell 47G-5 (registration N8591F) operated by Wiggins Airways Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Carver, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate visual look out for obstacles, which resulted in a collision with wires and the ground. 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 struck power lines after an aerial spray run. The pilot attempted to clear the wires but contacted the ground during a recovery maneuver.

Accident Overview

The helicopter collided with power lines after completing an aerial spray run of a cranberry bog. The pilot reported seeing wires directly in front of him as he was departing the bog. He initiated a climb by pulling back on the cyclic and raising the collective to clear the wires.

Pilot Maneuvers

The pilot stated that although he initially cleared the wires, he could not recover from the pull-up maneuver before contacting the ground. The wind was behind him during the maneuver. At the top of the pull-up, he realized he could not fly out of the situation. He then performed a right 180-degree pedal turn and lowered the nose to dive into the wind. However, he hit the ground in a level attitude before completing the turn.

Outcome

The helicopter contacted the ground. The source does not specify injuries or damage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Jul 1996 Bell 47G-5 accident near Carver, MA?

A helicopter struck power lines after an aerial spray run. The pilot attempted to clear the wires but contacted the ground during a recovery maneuver.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Jul 1996 involved a Bell 47G-5, registration N8591F, operated by Wiggins Airways Inc., at Carver, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inadequate visual look out for obstacles, which resulted in a collision with wires and the ground.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06341. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.