NTSB Factual Report

On March 10, 2001, at 1000 central standard time, a Robinson R22 helicopter, N4009W, was substantially damaged when the main rotor blades struck a static wire while hovering near Alvarado, Texas. The private pilot, who was the registered owner of the helicopter, and his passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight originated from the operator's private helipad near Alvarado, Texas, at 0915.

According to the pilot, he flew to an area on his property where he and his passenger planned to test some equipment. The equipment was not related to the helicopter. He stated that the helicopter was in a 2-foot hover beneath a marked static wire that was 30 feet agl. He noticed that the wire began coming closer to the helicopter and initiated a descent; however, the wire continued to descend with the helicopter. Subsequently, the wire contacted the main rotor blades and the helicopter landed without further incident.

The FAA inspector, who examined the helicopter, reported that one main rotor blade had a 3 inch gouge that was 5 feet 2 inches inboard from the blade tip. He stated that the second blade sustained minor damage. According to the owner, the blades required replacement.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with a marked static wire.