No fatalities

18 Aug 2014: HUGHES 369HS HS — Tery Jon Aviation Inc — Saint Peter, MN

Saint Peter, MN, United States

On 18 Aug 2014, a HUGHES 369HS HS operated by Tery Jon Aviation Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Saint Peter, MN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot did not see the wires resulting in the subsequent wire collision. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter conducting an insecticide application flight struck wires and made a forced landing, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures.

Narrative

During an agricultural application flight, the pilot maneuvered the helicopter to conduct another pass while maintaining vigilance of high lines and trees in the vicinity of the operation. The pilot stated that he did not see two wires spanning from across a road into a bean field where insecticide was being applied. The helicopter flew directly into the wires, which subsequently entangled around the mast of the helicopter.

Forced Landing and Impact

During the subsequent forced landing to the field, the controls locked up. The helicopter spun to the right three times before impacting the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage.

Mechanical Examination

The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotAltitude — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Effect on equipment