The helicopter pilot reported that shortly after liftoff to the north from his property in Grace, Idaho, he observed coyote tracks and “wanted to inspect.”
To better observe the coyote, he maneuvered at a low altitude, which led him to cross over a powerline. After crossing the powerline for a third time, he spotted the coyote, turned left, took his attention off the power line, continued to turn left and the main rotor blades hit the powerline.
He maintained control of the helicopter and landed without further incident.
A post-accident examination revealed the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades.
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the power lines.
This January 2019 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
He’s lucky. We used to say in the army you’ll never hit em twice — either you’ll be dead or you’ll spend the rest of your career looking for them
Was that an ACME helicopter? Maybe the coyote had ordered it…
Aviate, navigate, communicate…not coyote-ate, crash.
Well at least he didn’t relinquish control of the Aircraft to the Coyote.
Coyote 1 Helicopter 0
Watch out for the squirrels 🙂