Accident Details
On August 27, 2014, at approximately 1230 Pacific daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta, registration N4187W, was substantially damaged following a collision with wires during initial climb. The accident occurred about 5 nautical miles south of Gardnerville, Nevada. The helicopter lost control after the wire strike and impacted terrain. The private pilot sustained minor injuries, while the sole passenger received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local personal flight, which was operating under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. A flight plan was not filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident, with the destination being the pilot's residence near Gardnerville.
Pilot Report
In a statement submitted to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that during his initial departure from a river bank, about 100 yards offshore he felt a tug on the airframe, which he later discovered was a wire strike, followed by a "big bang" behind him. The pilot stated that the helicopter then began to quickly rotate to the right and out of control, and subsequently impacted the ground. The pilot added that he thought the helicopter might have rolled over once or twice before coming to rest upright in a clear area with shrubs and weeds. The pilot reported no anomalies with the helicopter prior to or during the flight that would have precluded normal operation.
Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration aviation safety inspector reported that after surveying the accident site, it was revealed that the helicopter had struck 4 small cables attached to a pulley system that was strung across the river, which resulted in the pilot losing control of the helicopter, followed by the uncontrolled descent and impact with terrain.