Mcdonnell Douglas Heli Co 369 N900FF accident near Yabucoa, Puerto Rico

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain main rotor clearance from a fiber line while picking up a lineman.

NTSB analysis

According to the helicopter pilot, he dropped off a lineman on top of a power line tower to install fiber lines. The lineman completed the task and informed the pilot by radio that he was ready to be picked up from the tower. While picking up the lineman, the pilot hovered next to the tower and signaled to the lineman that he was ready for him to transfer from the tower to the helicopter’s left skid. When the lineman reached out to attach his lanyard to the helicopter, the pilot felt the main rotor blades strike a fiber line that the lineman had just installed. The helicopter became controllable, and the pilot conducted a precautionary landing without picking up the lineman. After the pilot discussed the event with the lineman, the lineman raised the fiber line to a higher position on the tower and then the pilot picked him up.

Postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed that the main rotor blades sustained substantial damage.

The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented by assessing each approach and landing individually while looking for any possible new hazards or obstructions.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA378 for the full record.