Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the overhead wire.
NTSB analysis
While hovering the helicopter during the installation of a transmission wire about 70 feet above the ground, the pilot inadvertently allowed the left horizontal stabilizer to move laterally until it was beneath the wire. When the pilot attempted to climb the helicopter away from the wire, the wire hooked the stabilizer. The helicopter subsequently pitched forward and the main rotor blades and rotor mast also became entangled with the wire. The main rotor blades and tail boom then broke away from the helicopter, which spun once or twice before hitting the ground. There were no mechanical anomalies noted with the helicopter and no appreciable wind.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09LA194 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 10, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lee, Massachusetts
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 3
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Hughes 369D
- N-number
- N369RT
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 133 (external load)
- Purpose of flight
- Other work use
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.