FATL · Bell UH-1B · 1999-05-05 · WRANGELL, AK, USA
Event
NTSB number
ANC99TA058
Event ID
20001212X18681
Type
Accident
Date
1999-05-05
Location
WRANGELL, AK, USA
Coordinates
56.410415, -131.610534
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
0
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
2
Total aboard
3
Aircraft
Make
Bell
Model
UH-1B
Registration
N97HM
FAR Part
133
Engines
1
Damage
—
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain sufficient distance from a transmission wire, arcing of the transmission wire, the failure of company personnel to utilize a nonconducting cable, and an inadequate procedure utilized by the construction project manager to ensure adequate fault protection on an energized transmission wire. Factors in the accident were a failure of the helicopter operator to maintain sufficient standards, including flight and ground crew coordination, and a failure to maintain radio communication between the pilot and ground crew.