Probable cause
The pilot's failure to see and avoid a guy wire, which resulted in contact with the wire and subsequent collision with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the helicopter stated that he made two passes over the field to check for obstructions prior to beginning the aerial application flight, and remembered observing only one guy wire. While making a final application to the edges of the field, the pilot flew around the previously-observed guy wire, but the helicopter's skid contacted a second wire that he had not seen. The helicopter impacted the ground on its side, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies of the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA15CA262 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 12, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Viola, Tennessee
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson Helicopter R44
- N-number
- N577AT
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1996
- 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.