BIG TIMBER, MT, USA
N3275Q
Schramm HELICYCLE
The pilot reported that during a high speed fly-by to demonstrate the helicopter to prospective investors, he became distracted by a low engine coolant temperature. The pilot stated that he did not follow his intended flight path and did not see the power lines until the last moment. The pilot rolled the helicopter to a near 90 degree angle and the main rotor blades collided with and cut the transmission wires. The helicopter subsequently crashed in snow on level terrain.
On December 5, 1997, about 1300 mountain standard time, N3275Q, a homebuilt Schramm Helicycle helicopter, operated by the owner/pilot, impacted power lines and was substantially damaged while maneuvering near Big Timber, Montana. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The local business flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91. In a written statement, the pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to demonstrate the helicopter to prospective investors who were present. The pilot stated that he was aware of the power lines and had intended on giving them a wide berth, however, during a high speed fly-by, he became distracted because of a low engine coolant temperature. The pilot indicated that he did not follow his intended flight path, and didn't see the power lines until the last moment. The pilot stated that he rolled the helicopter to a near 90 degree angle and the main rotor blades collided with and cut the wires. The helicopter subsequently crashed in snow on level terrain. A dead power line was wrapped around the rotor mast. Two other live wires were "sizzling" and "snapping" in the snow nearby.
the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines. The pilot's diverted attention and transmission wires were factors.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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