CHAMPION, NY, USA
N2AR
BELL 47G
PILOT SAID THAT HE EXPERIENCED A SEVERE DOWNDRAFT AND A POWER LOSS DURING A POWER LINE PATROL FLIGHT AT AN ALTITUDE OF ABOUT 200 FEET. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO AUTOROTATE TO A LANDING BUT IMPACTED TERRAIN AND TREES. LOCAL WINDS WERE REPORTED AT 35 KTS GUSTING TO 45 KTS. POST ACCIDENT TEST RUN OF THE ENG FAILED TO REVEAL ANY MECHANICAL FAILURES/MALFUNCTIONS.
THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO SUSTAIN FLIGHT DUE TO A SEVERE DOWNDRAFT ACCOMPANIED BY A POWER LOSS AT A LOW ALTITUDE.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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