Casualties unknown

2003-12-20: Bell 206B (N62HF) — Henryetta, OK

Henryetta, OK, US

On December 20, 2003, a Bell 206B (registration N62HF) was involved in an aviation accident near Henryetta, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate visual look out and failure to maintain clearance from guy wire while maneuvering for landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot was landing his helicopter in a field when the tail boom became entangled in a guy wire. The pilot had made multiple patterns to select a safe site and was aware of power lines but did not see the light-colored wire. The helicopter came to rest on its skids with the tail snagged.

The Incident

A private pilot was attempting to land a helicopter in a field located near a local automobile dealership. During the landing maneuver, the tail boom of the helicopter became entangled in a guy wire. The pilot reported that he had flown two close, left-hand patterns around the area to select the best landing site. After identifying a site that he determined to be safe, the pilot performed an additional short downwind leg, followed by base and final approaches that were steep and into the wind.

Pilot Actions and Awareness

The pilot stated that he was aware of the presence of power lines in the area, but he did not see the light-gray colored wire that ran between them. After making several attempts to maintain a level attitude, the pilot gently lowered the nose of the helicopter onto the ground, resting it on the front of the skids. The tail of the helicopter remained snagged in the wire.

Outcome

The helicopter came to rest with the tail boom still entangled in the guy wire, resting on its skids with the nose lowered to the ground.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040202X00137. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.