No fatalities

Helicopter Strikes Power Lines During Agricultural Flight

Waterloo, IL, United States

On May 7, 2017, a ROTORCRAFT DEVELOPMENT CORP OH-58A+ NO SERIES operated by KLINKENBORG AERIAL SPRAYING & SEEDING IN was involved in an aviation accident near Waterloo, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to see and avoid transmission wires while maneuvering at a low altitude. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter pilot reported that during an agricultural application flight at low altitude, the main rotor blades struck transmission line wires, leading to a loss of rpm and a hard landing that rolled the helicopter onto its right side.

Accident Details

The pilot of a helicopter reported that, while maneuvering at low altitude for an agricultural application flight, he was flying along the north side of the intended spraying field. He stated that he was paying attention to the trees along the field to maintain adequate clearance.

During this maneuver, the main rotor blades struck transmission line wires. The pilot then heard a "high pitch sound that came from the engine," and the rotor rpm decreased. Subsequently, the nose pitched up, and the helicopter impacted the ground, rolling onto its right side.

Damage

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. He also noted that he had noticed the transmission line wires earlier in the flight, but later had forgotten where they were located.

Contributing factors

PilotAwareness of conditionEffect on operation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 May 2017 ROTORCRAFT DEVELOPMENT CORP OH-58A+ NO SERIES accident near Waterloo, IL?

A helicopter pilot reported that during an agricultural application flight at low altitude, the main rotor blades struck transmission line wires, leading to a loss of rpm and a hard landing that rolled the helicopter onto its right side.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 May 2017 ROTORCRAFT DEVELOPMENT CORP OH-58A+ NO SERIES accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 May 2017 involved a ROTORCRAFT DEVELOPMENT CORP OH-58A+ NO SERIES, operated by KLINKENBORG AERIAL SPRAYING & SEEDING IN, at Waterloo, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s failure to see and avoid transmission wires while maneuvering at a low altitude.