# NTSB GAA19CA110: Robinson R44, N4246Z, Grace, ID, January 3, 2019 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: January 3, 2019, 10:00 local (17:00 UTC) - Place: Grace, ID - Coordinates: 42.461944, -111.702224 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.4619&lon=-111.7022&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Maneuvering: Low altitude operation/event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report September 26, 2019 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: General Aviation Accidents - Parties: FAA - NTSB case key (mKey): 98853 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=GAA19CA110 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/98853/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=98853 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA110 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Attention/monitoring: task monitoring/vigilance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021520): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021520/cases.md?model=7640122), [All aircraft, 330 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021520/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: wire](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Effect on equipment; cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II, 26 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md?model=7640122), [All aircraft, 588 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II, 95 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=7640122), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) - [Maneuvering: Low altitude operation/event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220) (defining event); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II, 45 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md?model=7640122), [All aircraft, 780 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md) ## Analysis The helicopter pilot reported that, shortly after liftoff to the north from his property, he saw coyote tracks and "wanted to inspect." To better observe the coyote, he maneuvered at a low altitude, which led him to cross over a power line. After crossing the power line for a third time, he spotted the coyote, turned left, diverted his attention from the power line, continued to turn left, and the main rotor blades struck the power line. He maintained control of the helicopter and landed without further incident. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. ## Factual narrative The helicopter pilot reported that shortly after liftoff to the north from his property, he observed coyote tracks and "wanted to inspect." To better observe the coyote, he maneuvered at a low altitude which led him to cross over a powerline. After crossing the powerline for a third time, he spotted the coyote, turned left, took his attention off the power line, continued to turn left and the main rotor blades struck the powerline. He maintained control of the helicopter and landed without further incident. A post accident examination revealed the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N4246Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4246Z-2020-06-05), registration cancelled 2020-06-05, S/N 12697, built 2009 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Robinson R44 (II) - Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r44-ii) (registry code 7640122) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-ae1a5) (registry code 41899, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 12697 - Year built: 2009 - Engines: Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: Grace, ID - Destination: Grace, ID - Equipment: Unknown ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 57; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review December 5, 2018; seat: right; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 1,411 total, 143 in this make and model, 1,411 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 350° at 4 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -6 °F - Altimeter: 30.30 inHg - Observed at: KU78, 12 nm away ## 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 20190103000089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20190103000089A), Jan 3, 2019: Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II, Grace, ID, Substantial damage. While manuvering the aircraft down a coyote trail approximately 30 feet off the ground on pilots property, the pilot struck a quarter inch power line with the… ## Other investigations on N4246Z (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 WPR14LA353](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA353), Aug 24, 2014: Robinson Helicopter R44 II (N4246Z), Pahrump, NV, substantial damage. Probable cause: A total loss of engine power during a practice autorotation for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that… ## Docket (2 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on February 12, 2019, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=98853. 3.7 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 3.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40470354&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Accident Photos (item 2, .PDF, 3 photos, 151 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40470355&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Accident%20Photos-Master.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.