Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines during en route flight.
NTSB analysis
A pilot reported that he was flying his airplane about 0.5 mile behind and slightly above the accident helicopter. He had established radio contact with the two pilots during their takeoff and then made multiple unanswered radio calls to the pilots to warn them about approaching power lines. The main rotor blade struck the power lines and the helicopter subsequently descended into the terrain below and was consumed by a postcrash fire. On scene examination of the wreckage revealed evidence of engine rotation; no anomalies were noted that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10LA048 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 7, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Adelanto, California
- Nearest airport
- Adelanto Airport (52CL)
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 3
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
PV-18
- N-number
- N183YP
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.