# NTSB SEA98LA020: Schramm Helicycle, N3275Q, Big Timber, MT, December 5, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: December 5, 1997, 13:00 local (20:00 UTC) - Place: Big Timber, MT - Coordinates: 45.95964, -109.849494 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.9596&lon=-109.8495&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report May 4, 1998 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 42742 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA98LA020 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42742/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA020 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines. The pilot's diverted attention and transmission wires were factors. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, maneuvering - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor) - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - diverted attention, pilot in command (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot reported that during a high speed fly-by to demonstrate the helicopter to prospective investors, he became distracted by a low engine coolant temperature. The pilot stated that he did not follow his intended flight path and did not see the power lines until the last moment. The pilot rolled the helicopter to a near 90 degree angle and the main rotor blades collided with and cut the transmission wires. The helicopter subsequently crashed in snow on level terrain. ## Factual narrative On December 5, 1997, about 1300 mountain standard time, N3275Q, a homebuilt Schramm Helicycle helicopter, operated by the owner/pilot, impacted power lines and was substantially damaged while maneuvering near Big Timber, Montana. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The local business flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91. In a written statement, the pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to demonstrate the helicopter to prospective investors who were present. The pilot stated that he was aware of the power lines and had intended on giving them a wide berth, however, during a high speed fly-by, he became distracted because of a low engine coolant temperature. The pilot indicated that he did not follow his intended flight path, and didn't see the power lines until the last moment. The pilot stated that he rolled the helicopter to a near 90 degree angle and the main rotor blades collided with and cut the wires. The helicopter subsequently crashed in snow on level terrain. A dead power line was wrapped around the rotor mast. Two other live wires were "sizzling" and "snapping" in the snow nearby. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N3275Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3275Q-2007-06-12), registration cancelled 2007-06-12, S/N HC001, built 1995 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Schramm HELICYCLE - Registry model: [Schramm Buford J HELICYCLE](https://openairdocs.org/model/schramm-buford-j-helicycle) (registry code 05628GC) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Bombardier ROTAX (ALL)](https://openairdocs.org/engine/bombardier-rotax-all) (registry code 09050, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter, amateur-built - Serial number: HC001 - Airframe hours: 114 - Engines: Rotax 618 74 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Business, Part 91 - Registered owner: Buford J. Schramm - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, June 25, 1997, 22 hours before ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 58; private; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 973 total, 114 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Temperature: 19 °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 19971205037469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19971205037469A), Dec 5, 1997: Amtr HELICYCLE, Big Timber, MT, Substantial damage. Experi helicylce helicopter crashed und unk circ, Big Timber, MT. (.4)the pilot reported that during a high speed fly-by to demonstrate the helicopter to… ## Other investigations on N3275Q (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 SEA04LA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04LA074), Apr 27, 2004: Schramm Helicycle (N3275Q), Montour, ID, destroyed, 1 fatal. Probable cause: In flight collision with terrain for undetermined reasons. 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.