Accident Overview
On November 6, 2017, at approximately 1310 central standard time, a Robinson R44 helicopter, registered as N7085M, sustained substantial damage after impacting powerlines and terrain about 4.5 miles south of Larchwood, Iowa. The commercial pilot and passenger suffered serious injuries. The flight was an aerial observation operation conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan had been filed with the FAA. The local flight had departed around 1300.
Circumstances of the Accident
The helicopter was engaged in locating and herding approximately 300 cattle that had escaped, working with a ground team. According to witnesses on the ground and the passenger, the helicopter hovered and began a turn, during which the tail section contacted powerlines. Following the tail strike, the main rotor blades also hit the powerlines. The helicopter then descended, coming to rest on its right side in a corn field. Several witnesses and the passenger reported that the helicopter appeared and sounded normal prior to the impact.
Video Evidence
A video recorded by another witness captured the accident sequence. It showed the helicopter maneuvering near the powerlines with its nose oriented away from them. The tail first impacted the powerlines, followed by the main rotor blades. After impact, the helicopter rotated once before striking the ground.
Aircraft Examination
An FAA inspector who examined the wreckage found that the tailboom had separated from the fuselage and both main rotor assemblies were substantially damaged. Examination of the helicopter, engine, and remaining systems revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
An official weather observation taken 18 miles northwest of the accident site recorded wind from 060° at 7 knots, visibility 1.5 miles in light snow, overcast ceiling at 2,300 feet above ground level, temperature -1°C, dewpoint -4°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.26 inches of mercury. However, witnesses at the accident site described the weather as overcast, windy, with unlimited visibility and no precipitation.
Pilot Statement
At the time of the report's writing, the pilot had no recollection of the accident or the events leading up to it.