NTSB Factual Report

On June 1, 2003, about 1120 mountain standard time, a Robinson R22 Beta, N991RW, collided with a wire while maneuvering near North Las Vegas, Nevada. Silver State Helicopters was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured; the helicopter sustained substantial damage. The local instructional flight departed North Las Vegas Airport (VGT) about 1100. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

The pilot reported practicing high reconnaissance operations for a pinnacle approach. He was on his third pattern around the pinnacle when the helicopter collided with a wire that was strung from a pole to the side of a mountain. The wire wrapped around the main rotor swash plate and the pilot entered an autorotation onto a hillside. The tail rotor and boom were damaged upon touchdown. The pilot estimated his altitude was 400 feet above ground level (agl) when the collision occurred.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate visual lookout.