Probable cause
The pilot's improper decision to conduct a low-level flight over a river, and his failure to see and avoid power lines, which resulted in the helicopter's impact with power lines and the water.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was repositioning the helicopter for routine maintenance with a passenger onboard. According to witness statements, the helicopter approached a river and flew over it at a low altitude. The helicopter then impacted power lines that spanned the river, descended, and came to rest in the water.
Postaccident examination of the engine and airframe revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Therefore, it is likely that the pilot was flying low over the river and did not see the power lines before the helicopter struck them.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA19FA047 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 16, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Verbena, Alabama
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell OH 58C
- N-number
- N510CP
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1970
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Positioning
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.