Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a cable during spray operations.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while spraying at low altitude with power lines on the edges of the field, the airplane struck a cable, which resulted in substantial damage to the tail rotor blades and tail rotor drive shaft. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation and that he should have examined the field more thoroughly prior to conducting spray operations.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA328 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 26, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hanlontown, Iowa
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson Helicopter R44
- N-number
- N467HA
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2001
- 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.