Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an external load lift. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of situational awareness.
NTSB analysis
The airline transport helicopter pilot was assisting an electric utility company in positioning personnel and equipment under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135. While lifting an external load, he reported that he had completed the hovering long-line hookup, but forgot that he was directly under high tension power lines. He said that as he started to extend the line the main rotor blades contacted and severed the power lines. The pilot said that his next memory was being on the ground looking at the wreckage. He said the helicopter was operating normally until he contacted the wires. The helicopter sustained damage to the fuselage and rotor system.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC08LA127 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 26, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Homer, Alaska
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1
- N-number
- N305MH
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.