Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from wires during an agricultural application flight.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during a low-level agricultural application pass and shortly after he leveled off the helicopter from a turn, the helicopter struck wires and then impacted terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the main and tail rotor systems. The operator reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA457 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 27, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Dukedom, Tennessee
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 206
- N-number
- N454MS
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1975
- 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.