On June 1, 2003, a Robinson R22 BETA (registration N991RW) was involved in an aviation accident near North Las Vegas, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate visual lookout. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter collided with a wire during high reconnaissance operations for a pinnacle approach. The pilot entered autorotation after the wire wrapped around the main rotor swash plate, damaging the tail rotor and boom on touchdown.
Incident Overview
A helicopter conducting high reconnaissance operations for a pinnacle approach collided with a wire. The pilot, on his third pattern around the pinnacle, struck a wire strung from a pole to the side of a mountain.
Event Details
The wire wrapped around the main rotor swash plate, prompting the pilot to initiate an autorotation. The pilot estimated the helicopter's altitude at 400 feet above ground level (agl) at the time of the collision. The autorotation ended with a touchdown on a hillside.
Damage
Upon landing, the tail rotor and tail boom sustained damage. The pilot reported no further mechanical issues beyond the wire strike and subsequent landing.