Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate inflight planning resulted in impact with a power line.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported spraying several different fields throughout the day. During the accident spray pass, the pilot sighted a power line and attempted to avoid it by lowering the collective. The helicopter struck the power line and subsequently impacted terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the main rotor blades and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation and that he should made a more complete reconnaissance of the field.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA387 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 16, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Millville, Minnesota
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson Helicopter Co R66
- N-number
- N641RZ
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2011
- 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.