Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from transmission wires.
NTSB analysis
In a statement provided by the pilot, during the aerial application flight the helicopter pilot scouted the application area for transmission wires. He noted their locations and began to disperse the applicant. The pilot reported that while flying east the rising sun momentarily disoriented him, resulting in a collision with a transmission wire. The pilot performed a forced landing to an open area. An inspection of the helicopter revealed damage to the main rotor pitch change links and swash plate. The pilot confirmed that there were no malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter prior to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA395 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 10, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Roswell, New Mexico
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell OH-58A
- N-number
- N415NS
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
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.