# NTSB CHI88DEX08: Continental Copters Tomcat MK-6, N9093T, Straughn, IN, July 11, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: July 11, 1988, 16:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Straughn, IN
- Coordinates: 39.799903, -85.290863 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.7999&lon=-85.2909&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 11, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13916
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI88DEX08
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13916/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI88DEX08

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - aerial application
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - information - improper, other person (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

AERIAL APPLICATION HELICOPTER STRUCK POWER LINES IN FIELD ON FIRST SWATH RUN. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THE PILOT HAD SPRAYED THIS FIELD. PRIOR TO SPRAYING THE FIELD HE QUESTIONED THE FARMER REGARDING POWER LINES OR OTHER OBSTRUCTIONS. THE FARMER REPLIED THAT THERE WERE NONE. AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE FARMER STATED THAT HE FORGOT ABOUT THOSE POWER LINES. THE PILOT CIRCLED THE FIELD PRIOR TO STARTING HIS APPLICATION SWATH RUN LOOKING FOR OBSTRUCTIONS, AND SAW NONE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9093T](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9093T), registered now, S/N CCI78-5 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Continental Copters TOMCAT MK-6 (TOMCAT MK-)
- Registry model: [Continental Copters TOMCAT MK6C](https://openairdocs.org/model/continental-copters-tomcat-mk6c) (registry code 2390204) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: CCI 78-5
- Airframe hours: 1276
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-A1F 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Stephen D. Squires
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 23, 1988, 31 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 6,500 total, 3,000 in this make and model, 6,500 as pilot in command, 75 in the last 90 days, 40 in the last 30 days, 8 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19880711026259A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880711026259A), Jul 11, 1988: Bell OH13HMK6C, Straughn, IN, Substantial damage. Descending into field to be sprayed. Struck powerline. Sun and haze factors. Farmer told pilot there were no lines.

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.

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