Probable cause
The pilot's inability to see and avoid power lines that were low to the ground and a green color that blended with the background crops.
NTSB analysis
The pilot flew over the field to be sprayed looking for obstacles. Seeing none, he commenced spraying and collided with power lines. The pilot said the power lines were only 13 feet off the ground and were green in color that blended in with the background crops. The helicopter's canopy contacted the power lines, then the lines slid beneath the helicopter and caught the skids. The helicopter nosed over and impacted terrain.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN15CA348 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 7, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kansasville, Wisconsin
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson R44
- N-number
- N20KD
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2001
- Damage
- Destroyed
- 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.