Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate monitoring of the environment and failure to maintain clearance from transmission wires during an aerial application flight.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while conduction an aerial application flight, he did not see power lines in his path and the helicopter struck the wires that and then the ground. The main rotor blades severed the tail boom of the helicopter during the event. In his report, the pilot listed no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the helicopter.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14CA426 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 13, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lancaster, Wisconsin
- Nearest airport
- Lancaster Muni (73C)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson Helicopter R44
- N-number
- N8343P
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1996
- 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.