Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power transmission wires while flying at low altitude in nighttime conditions.
NTSB analysis
During the nighttime visual flight rules flight, with no moon illumination, the commercial pilot was surveying a field to establish visual contact with reported power transmission wires prior to conducting an aerial application. The wires spanned the field along a west/easterly heading. While on a northerly heading, the pilot flew over the field and did not provide adequate separation from the wires. Subsequently the helicopter struck the wires at an altitude of about 30 ft above ground level and impacted terrain.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR19TA061 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 12, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Yuma, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Yuma International Airport (knyl)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Bell 206
- N-number
- N88HC
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1975
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Other work use
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.