Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate visual lookout while flying at a low level over a river, which resulted in a wire strike.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was flying the helicopter following a river shoreline about 400 ft above ground level. He was scanning the horizon when he saw a “flash” and felt the helicopter shudder. He assessed the controllability of the helicopter and noted no anomalies, therefore, he continued the flight to a nearby airport. After landing, during the post flight examination of the helicopter, he found substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer of the helicopter. Furthermore, there were wire strike marks on the main rotor blade consistent with a wire strike. The operator reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA347 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 19, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Franklin, Pennsylvania
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 206L-3
- N-number
- N203PA
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1991
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Ferry
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.