Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a wire.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was flying under a powerline during an aerial application flight in an area with which he was very familiar when the helicopter collided with a wire. The wire was installed at a height of about 20 ft on the 40-ft-tall poles and was used for attaching a larger cable data line, which had not yet been installed at the time of the accident. The pilot did not recall seeing the wire before the accident.
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the helicopter impacted the wire at its main rotor mast. The main rotor mast separated from the wreckage and the main rotor blades displayed impact damage consistent with ground impact. Examination revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the helicopter.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR17LA206 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 17, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Salinas, California
- Nearest airport
- Salinas Muni (SNS)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 47G 5
- N-number
- N3285T
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1969
- 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.