The aircraft was destroyed in a post-crash fire, and its commercial pilot and two passengers were fatally injured at 1315 Central time when the helicopter collided with trees and terrain after takeoff from a creek bed. Visual conditions prevailed. The helicopter was operating from a creek bed oriented approximately north/south. The creek bed was about 70 feet wide, with cliffs and tall trees on both banks. A four-strand set of power lines oriented approximately east/west crossed the creek about 125 feet above the water. Several witnesses stated that the power lines were discussed with the pilot, either one-on-one, or in groups. The pilot assured one witness “it was safe.” Describing the accident, a second witness said, “The helicopter took off out of the creek bed, looked like he was going to do a U-turn, and got caught by the wind, and then got sling-shotted over and hit the power lines. The wind was blowing pretty good, and slung it into the power lines.”
November 5, 2007, Jamestown, Tenn., Robinson R44
The aircraft was destroyed in a post-crash fire, and its commercial pilot and two passengers were fatally injured at 1315 Central time when the helicopter collided with trees and terrain after takeoff from a creek bed. Visual conditions prevailed. The helicopter was operating from a creek bed oriented approximately north/south. The creek bed was about 70 feet wide, with cliffs and tall trees on both banks. A four-strand set of power lines oriented approximately east/west crossed the creek about 125 feet above the water. Several witnesses stated that the power lines were discussed with the pilot, either one-on-one, or in groups. The pilot assured one witness "it was safe."
Key Takeaways:
- A commercial pilot and two passengers were fatally injured when their helicopter crashed and was destroyed by fire after taking off from a creek bed.
- The helicopter was operating from a narrow creek bed with cliffs and tall trees, which was crossed by power lines that had been discussed with the pilot prior to takeoff.
- Witnesses described the helicopter getting caught by strong wind while attempting a U-turn shortly after takeoff, causing it to collide with the power lines and then terrain.
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