Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a static wire during approach.
NTSB analysis
The helicopter pilot reported that, during an approach to an off-airport construction project landing zone, the helicopter struck a static wire that had been recently positioned above the landing area. The helicopter’s main rotor blades contacted the wire which resulted in substantial damage to the blades. The pilot was unaware of the static wire and did not observe it during the approach. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunction or failures of the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR22LA078 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 21, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Strawberry, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- N/A (N/A)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Hughes 369D
- N-number
- N111AD
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1980
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial observation
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.