Robinson R44 N775AK

Summary

On 4 August 2021 at about 13:15 local time, a Robinson R44 registered N775AK, operated by Rotors LLC, was involved in an accident near Waukon, Iowa, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

4 August 2021 at 13:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Waukon, Iowa, United States

Coordinates

43.2612, -91.3757

Aircraft

Robinson R44

Registration

N775AK

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2008

Engines

1

Operator

Rotors LLC

Operating rule

Part 137: Agricultural

Purpose of flight

Aerial Application

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN21LA350

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from a powerline during an agricultural application pass.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot was conducting an agricultural application pass when the helicopter struck a powerline crossing the cornfield being sprayed. He did not see the line until exiting the helicopter after the accident. Earlier in the morning he had surveyed the area for obstacles but did not observe any lines crossing the field. The pilot commented that his initial survey pass was completed toward the east with the sun “low in the sky and in [his] eyes.” He noted that there were no issues with the helicopter before contacting with the power line. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system, the fuselage, and the empennage.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.