Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to recognize and compensate for hazards during the external load operation, which led to a collision between a lineman (external load) and a powerline.
NTSB analysis
The commercial pilot of the helicopter reported that the purpose of the flight was to lift a utility company lineman to a structure to perform work in conjunction with a new powerline project. While transporting the lineman to the structure using a long line, the worker contacted an existing, live powerline and was seriously injured. The weather conditions at the time of the accident included 10 miles visibility and no precipitation. The pilot reported that he could not see the powerline from his perspective until it was too late to make a course change. The pilot recommended that better recognition of hazards and obstructions may have prevented the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN18LA121 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 7, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Blair, Wisconsin
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Hughes 369D
- N-number
- N499SL
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1979
- Operating rule
- Part 133 (external load)
- Purpose of flight
- External load
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.