Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the broadcast tower guy-wires.
NTSB analysis
A witness, who was performing maintenance on a broadcast tower, observed a helicopter operating about 1/2 mile to the east, flying toward the broadcast tower. When the helicopter was about 60 feet from the tower, it banked to the left, away from the tower, and subsequently struck the number 4 guy-wire on the south side of the broadcast tower. After the helicopter struck the wire, it veered back to the right and descended to the ground. Postaccident examination of the helicopter, engine, and related systems revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13FA009 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 10, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Crowley, Louisiana
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 206B
- N-number
- N333DR
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.