Bell OH58A accident near Ulysses, KS
On May 18, 2021, a Bell OH58A (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Ulysses, KS. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- May 18, 2021
- Place
- Ulysses, KS
- Aircraft
- Bell OH58A · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 37.566°N, 101.370°W
- NTSB ID
- 20210519103107
Official records · CEN21LA225
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHTOn May 18, 2021, about 1430 central daylight time, a Bell OH-58A helicopter, N176SJ, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Ulysses, Kansas. The pilot was fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. The helicopter impacted a powerline while the pilot was applying chemicals to a field. The operator reported that the accident pass was the pilot’s 21st pass over the field, and that the pilot had been maneuvering over the powerline during the previous passes. The loader who was at the scene reported that the helicopter passed the wires, and he heard two loud pops. The helicopter collided with terrain about 60° nose-low, and the loader called emergency services. WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATIONThe helicopter impacted a field and came to rest on its side about 150 yards from the power lines. All major components of the helicopter were located at the accident site. The forward cockpit area was crushed and distorted. Both main rotor blades were damaged and remained attached to the main rotor hub. The main rotor hub was impact separated from the transmission. Flight control continuity was established throughout the helicopter through areas that were fractured with signatures consistent with overload. A portion of the power line was found on the ground between the wire strike location and the wreckage. The helicopter was equipped with wire cutters, but they did not display signatures of damage or wire contact. MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATIONThe pilot succumbed to his in
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line during the aerial application flight, which resulted in collision with the power line and subsequent impact with terrain.
More accidents in KS
- Sikorsky S-76B, Jul 5, 2001
- Cessna 421C Riley Turbine E, Jan 21, 2005
- Cessna 210M, Nov 6, 1983
- Cessna 401, May 11, 2012
- Beech A36, Jul 7, 1994
Browse: Kansas · Bell aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
