Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an agricultural application flight.
NTSB analysis
The helicopter pilot reported that, during high reconnaissance of a field intended for agricultural application, he saw power lines surrounding the field. He started the application southbound from the northwest section, and after travelling about 300 yards and while about 15 ft above ground level, the helicopter struck a power line, after which the pilot was able to land the helicopter on an adjacent field without further incident.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blade.
The pilot 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 GAA19CA481 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 2, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Vandalia, Illinois
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson R66
- N-number
- N1767L
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2011
- 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.