Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a known wire hazard during an aerial observation flight.
NTSB analysis
During a local aerial power line observation flight, the helicopter impacted the static wire for the power line. The pilot reported that he never lost control of the helicopter, but landed as soon as he could in a parking lot, which was about 1/4 mile from the wire strike. He further stated that prior to the wire strike; there were no mechanical anomalies with the helicopter. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector that responded to the accident site reported that a 12 inch piece of the 7-strand wire remained in the wire cutter located below the main rotor mast.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11LA083 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 10, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Isom, Kentucky
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 206B
- N-number
- N263CH
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
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.