Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the wires during takeoff. Contributory factors were the sunglare and the unmarked wires.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The helicopter was parked on a trailer between two T-hangars and under a power line. The pilot stated that he cleared the area around the helicopter; however, he did not clear the area directly over the helicopter. The pilot lifted off the trailer and impacted the power line approximately 30 feet above the ground. The pilot mentioned that at the time of the accident, "the sun was at an angle and intensity so that the wires were not visible." He also stated that the wires were not marked with red balls. The power line wrapped around the main rotor mast and partially separated one of the main rotor blades. The helicopter then entered an uncontrolled descent and impacted the ground.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 27, 2001, at 1740 central daylight time, a Hughes 269B helicopter, N9508F, was substantially damaged when it impacted wires and terrain during takeoff at the A.L. Mangham Jr. Regional Airport near Nacogdoches, Texas. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. The airline transport pilot, who was the sole occupant, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 repositioning flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, the helicopter was parked on a trailer between two T-hangars and under a power line. The pilot stated that he cleared the area around the helicopter; however, he did not clear the area directly over the helicopter. The pilot lifted off the trailer and impacted the power line approximately 30 feet above the ground. The pilot mentioned that at the time of the accident, "the sun was at an angle and intensity so that the wires were not visible." He also stated that the wires were not marked with red balls. The FAA inspector stated that the power line wrapped around the main rotor mast and partially separated one of the main rotor blades. The helicopter then descended and impacted the ground. The FAA inspector stated that the mast, main rotor blades and cabin area sustained structural damage.