Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during a low level aerial application.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, while performing an aerial application on a field, the helicopter struck a set of power lines that he was previously aware of and had been working around during the flight. Following the impact with wires, he initiated a forced landing to a field. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades, transmission, tail rotor drive shaft, and tail boom.
The pilot reported there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA138 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 2, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lewiston, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- (N/A)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aerospatiale SA315B
- N-number
- N42PL
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1976
- 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.