No fatalities

Helicopter Strikes Wires During Aerial Application, Rolls Over in Emergency Landing

New Hampton, IA, United States

On July 23, 2010, a BELL 206B operated by TOPSIDE AVIATION INC was involved in an aviation accident near New Hampton, IA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from wires. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter struck wires at the end of an aerial application spray run, causing violent shaking. During an emergency landing, it landed hard and rolled onto its right side, sustaining substantial damage.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that his helicopter struck wires at the end of an aerial application spray run. The collision caused the helicopter to shake violently. During the subsequent emergency landing, the helicopter landed hard and rolled over onto its right side.

Damage Assessment

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to its fuselage, main rotor, and tail rotor. No further details on the extent of the damage were provided.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that he should have performed a better reconnaissance for obstacles and wires in the field. No other contributing factors were mentioned.

Investigation Notes

The incident remains under investigation, with the pilot's statement as the primary account. No official determination of cause has been released.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

All Bell 206 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Jul 2010 BELL 206B accident near New Hampton, IA?

A helicopter struck wires at the end of an aerial application spray run, causing violent shaking. During an emergency landing, it landed hard and rolled onto its right side, sustaining substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Jul 2010 BELL 206B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Jul 2010 involved a BELL 206B, operated by TOPSIDE AVIATION INC, at New Hampton, IA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from wires.