Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate separation from power lines, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the helicopter reported that, while maneuvering low around power lines during an agricultural spray, he "pulled up," and the right spray boom contacted a power line. He added that the "fuselage pitched forward and the main rotor blade cut the tail boom off just aft of the horizontal stabilizer." Subsequently, the helicopter began to rapidly spin, and after one or two rotations, the pilot "closed the throttle which stopped the rotation" and "cushioned the impact."
The fuselage and tailboom sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA402 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 30, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Uniontown, Kentucky
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 206
- N-number
- N60KH
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1974
- 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.