- Location: Springfield, Ohio
- Accident Number: ERA23FA317
- Date & Time: July 29, 2023, 12:06 Local
- Registration: N652HA Aircraft: Bell 206-L4
- Aircraft Damage: Substantial Defining Event: Low altitude operation/event
- Injuries: 1 Fatal
- Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural
https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N652HA
Helicopter Applicators Inc
On July 29, 2023, about 1206 eastern standard time, a Bell 206-L4 helicopter, N652HA, was involved in an accident near Springfield, Ohio. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as an agricultural flight conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137.
The commercial pilot was spraying a cornfield on an east-west pattern when he flew through a set of four high-tension powerlines that ran northeast-southwest through the cornfield. The middle two powerline wires were severed, but the top and bottom wires were not damaged. The helicopter came to rest about 150 ft east of the powerlines. A review of ADS-B data revealed that when the pilot arrived at the cornfield, he circled and flew over the powerlines, indicating that he was likely aware the powerlines would be an obstacle during the spray run. He then made several more spraying passes over the powerlines before the data ended shortly before he impacted the wires. On-scene examination of the wreckage revealed all major components of the helicopter were located at the accident site and that there was no evidence of any preimpact mechanical or malfunctions or failures of the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
- Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to remain clear of powerlines during an agricultural spraying operation.
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