Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a transmission line during flight.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff for the repositioning flight, and while transitioning along a canyon, he felt a vibration through the helicopter. The pilot initiated an autorotation and landed on a downsloping dirt road. The helicopter rolled over, coming to rest on its right side. Postaccident examination revealed that the helicopter impacted an unmarked transmission line. The line spanned an 800-foot gap across a small divide from a fenced electric substation to a power pole on a high outcropping. The pilot and passenger did not see the line at any time during the flight. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the helicopter prior to the vibration.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11LA016 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 14, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Auburn, California
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 206B
- N-number
- N2763M
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Positioning
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.