# Accident 20160521005689A: Bell OH-58C, Waitsburg, WA, May 21, 2016

- Type: FAA accident report (Accident/Incident Data System), as reported
- Date: May 21, 2016, 09:00 local time
- Place: Waitsburg, WA
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Phase of flight: Cruise/Level Flight
- Operating rules: Agricultural (Part 137)
- Operator: 13MG
- Location: 46.2375° N, 118.1392° W: From the FAA
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.2375&lon=-118.1392&mi=10
- Aircraft: N543SD, a cancelled registration (https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N543SD-2022-10-06) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry model: Bell OH-58C (registry code 1181580, https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-oh-58c) (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL OH-58C
- People aboard: 1
- Fatal injuries: 0
- Other injuries: 0
- Pilot certificates: Commercial pilot, flight instructor
- Pilot flight hours: 3,400 total, 600 in this make and model, 160 in the last 90 days
- NTSB investigation: [NTSB GAA16CA258](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA258) (OpenAirDocs)
- FAA source: FAA Aviation Safety Information Portal (https://asip.faa.gov/)
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/incident/20160521005689A

## Narrative

As the FAA filed it, in capitals; the FAA replaces private details with ^PRIVACY DATA OMITTED^.

N543SD A RESTRICTED CATEGORY OH-58 HELICOPTER RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE AS THE RESULT OF A WIRE-STRIKE AND HARD LANDING.  THE HELICOPTER RECEIVED DAMAGE TO THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES AND THE TAIL-BOOM WAS COMPLETELY SEVERED. NO INJURIES RESULTED AS THE RESULT OF THIS ACCIDENT. THERE WERE NO MECHANICAL DEFICIENCIES STATED THAT WOULD HAVE CONTRIBUTED OR BEEN CAUSAL IN THIS ACCIDENT.

THIS AIRCRAFT WAS EQUIPPED WITH THE MILITARY STYLE WIRE STRIKE PROTECTION; HOWEVER THE PILOT STATED THAT THE POWERLINE'S UPPER STATIC LINE WIRE HAD BECOME ENTANGLED IN THE SKID LANDING GEAR.

ACCORDING TO THE PILOT THE HELICOPTER WAS BEING OPERATED UNDER FAR PART 137, (AERIAL APPLICATION) AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.  NO CHEMICALS WERE BEING DISPENSED ON THIS PARTICULAR FLIGHT AS THE PURPOSE WAS A SCOUTING FLIGHT FOR WIRES.

SPRAY BOOMS AND HOPER TANK WERE INSTALLED ON THE HELICOPTER AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.  THE PILOT DOES POSES THE APPLICABLE RATINGS AND ENDORSEMENTS FOR 137 OPERATIONS.  IN ADDITION, THE OH-58 HELICOPTER IS LISTED ON A VALID 137 OPERATORS OPPS.

## The NTSB's investigation of this event (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB GAA16CA258](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA258), May 21, 2016: Bell OH 58 (N543SD), Waitsburg, WA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power line during low reconnaissance flight, which resulted in a power line strike, loss of control, and a subsequent hard landing.

## Other reports on N543SD (1)

Matched to the same aircraft by N-number and date.

- [Incident 20060927019649I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20060927019649I), Sep 27, 2006: Arofal OH58C (N543SD), Snoqualmie, WA, Minor damage. (-23) [privacy data omitted] the pilot in command of N543SD on 09/27/2006 at approximately 1815 pacific daylight saving time struck a tree with the main rotor…

From the FAA Accident/Incident Data System. Reports are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. For accidents, the NTSB's own investigation is the fuller record.

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