NTSB Factual Report

On October 24, 2003, at 1830 central daylight time, an amateur-built Shapowal Rotorway Exec 90 helicopter, N442DS, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged during an in-flight collision with a static wire, and subsequently the terrain, during an approach for a precautionary landing near Cushing, Minnesota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 and was not on a flight plan. The pilot reported minor injuries. The flight departed a farm 9 miles northwest of Motley, Minnesota, at 1610, with an intended destination of the pilot's residence 3 miles southwest of Pillager, Minnesota.

In his written statement, the pilot reported that he delayed his planned flight due to high winds earlier in the day. He stated that once the winds had died down, he departed for what should have been a 10 minute flight. He noted that after departure, he "turned north instead of south" and "after a few minutes [he] determined [he] was going the wrong direction." He subsequently located Motley, however he "missed the left (east) turn on County 28 south of Motley."

At that point, the pilot "determined that [he] no longer had enough light to fly." He stated that he selected a location for a precautionary landing. He reported that he did not see the power lines on short final due to the poor lighting conditions. He stated that the helicopter "hit [the] power line at low speed and was thrown back and down on [its] left side."

The pilot stated there were no malfunctions with the aircraft or engine prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

Selection of an unsuitable landing area by the pilot due to the static wire across the approach path. Contributing factors were the pilot's disorientation, the static wire and the low light (dusk) conditions.