On 27 Jul 2018, a Robinson R44 II operated by Airbourn Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Elma, IA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure maintain clearance from power lines during an agricultural application flight. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A helicopter pilot reported impacting power lines while conducting an aerial application, resulting in substantial damage. The aircraft struck wires about 14 feet above ground, then pitched aft and impacted the ground.
Incident Overview
A helicopter pilot was conducting a high reconnaissance of a field intended for aerial application when he observed power lines to the north, with wires running northwest to southeast. He then began the application on the southwest corner of the field. While flying west to east, he noticed another set of wires crossing the southeastern corner of the field.
Sequence of Events
Approximately 14 feet above the ground, the main rotor blades struck the wire. The helicopter pitched aft, then broke free of the wires and impacted the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and main rotor blades.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Effect on operationPilot
Related events
Same aircraft family
28 Mar 2026 — ROBINSON R44
12 Mar 2026 — ROBINSON R44 II
19 Feb 2026 — ROBINSON R44
15 Feb 2026 — ROBINSON R44 II
25 Jan 2026 — ROBINSON R44
20 Jan 2026 — ROBINSON R44
17 Jan 2026 — ROBINSON R44 II
7 Jan 2026 — ROBINSON R44
29 Dec 2025 — ROBINSON R44
4 Dec 2025 — ROBINSON R44
29 Nov 2025 — ROBINSON R44 II
30 Oct 2025 — ROBINSON R44 II (KUKI HELICOPTER SALES LTD)