CHI03LA182

The helicopter was destroyed by impact and a post-impact fire, following an in-flight collision with transmission wires during an aerial application maneuver. No anomalies were found with the helicopter that could be associated with any pre-impact condition.

History of flight

On June 25, 2003, at 1002 central daylight time, a Robinson R-22 Beta, N933CB, operated by Show-Me Helicopters, was destroyed during a post-impact fire following an in-flight collision with wires and terrain near Dexter, Missouri. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The commercial pilot sustained fatal injuries. The 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight was not operating on a flight plan. The local flight departed from Dexter Municipal Airport (DXE), Dexter, Missouri, at 0917.

According to a witness, the helicopter had finished its aerial application of a cotton field and was climbing out when it impacted the transmission wires. The witness reported the helicopter was on fire and smoking prior to impacting the terrain. The witness stated the helicopter descended in a spiral and was consumed during the subsequent post-impact fire.

Several other witnesses reported seeing the helicopter impact the wires and begin to emit smoke and flames prior to impacting the terrain.

The witness statements are included with the docket material associated with this accident report.

Personnel information

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for helicopters and single engine land airplanes. The commercial pilot certificate contained the restriction, "carrying passengers in airplanes for hire is prohibited at night and on cross-country flights of more than 50 nautical miles." According to FAA records, the pilot completed his last aviation medical examination on July 5, 2002, and was issued a second-class medical certificate with the limitation, "must have available glasses for near vision."

The operator reported the pilot had accumulated a total flight time of 3,714 hours, of which 1,117 hours were in helicopters and 2,597 hours were in airplanes. The pilot had flown 20 hours in the previous 30 days and 5 hours during the last 24 hours.

Aircraft information

The helicopter was a Robinson R-22 Beta, serial number 1191. At the time of the accident, the helicopter had accumulated 3,830 hours since new. The last annual inspection was on June 18, 2003, and the helicopter had accumulated approximately seven hours since the last inspection.

The engine was a 160 horsepower Lycoming O-320-B2C, serial number RL-17923-39A. At the time of the accident, the engine had accumulated 1,850 hours since the last overhaul.

Meteorological information

A weather reporting station, located at Poplar Bluff Municipal Airport, approximately 26 miles to the southwest of the accident site, recorded the weather conditions at 0955 as:

Wind: 230 degrees at 8 knots

Visibility: 8 statute miles

Sky Condition: Sky clear

Temperature: 29 degrees Celsius

Dew Point: 22 degrees Celsius

Pressure: 30.08 inches of mercury

Wreckage and impact information

The wreckage was located in a cotton field and a severed power transmission line was found near the accident site. The power transmission lines ran perpendicular to an east/west-orientated road that was adjacent to the cotton field in which the main wreckage was found. The pre-impact height of the lower line was reported to be 30 feet and the height of the upper power lines was reported to be 65 feet. Approximately 4 feet of the tail boom assembly, including the tail rotor and gearbox, was found separated from the main wreckage. The engine was extensively damaged by the post-impact fire, but remained attached to the engine mountings in the engine compartment. The front third of the helicopter's landing skid assembly was found separated and in front of the main wreckage. During a post-accident inspection of the aircraft, no anomalies were found with the helicopter that could be associated with any pre-impact condition.

Medical and pathological information

An autopsy was performed on the pilot at the Mineral Area Regional Medical Center Morgue, Farmington, Missouri, on June 26, 2003.

A Forensic Toxicology Fatal Accident Report was prepared by the FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The toxicology results for the pilot were:

* No Carbon Monoxide detected in Blood

* No Cyanide detected in Blood

* No Ethanol detected in Vitreous

* No Drugs detected in Urine