Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a light pole during final approach, which resulted in the helicopter striking the pole.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The commercial certificated pilot was positioning the helicopter from a private landing area to a local airport for fuel under Title 14, CFR Part 91. He said approaching the taxiway, about 20-30 feet in the air, he spotted the light atop a 20-foot light pole through the left chin-bubble. He reported that he attempted to avoid the light, but the helicopter struck the light pole, damaging the chin-bubble and associated fuselage structure. He reported there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the helicopter prior to the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
The commercial certificated pilot was positioning the helicopter from a private landing area to a local airport for fuel under Title 14, CFR Part 91. He said approaching the taxiway, about 20-30 feet in the air, he spotted the light atop a 20-foot light pole through the left chin-bubble. He reported that he attempted to avoid the light, but the helicopter struck the light pole, damaging the chin-bubble and associated fuselage structure. He reported there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the helicopter prior to the accident.