Pilot Debrief

BELL 206 near Randle, WA — 2020-09-09

Final reportWPR20LA331
Sign in to save
Date
2020-09-09
Location
Randle, WA, USA
Airport
WN55
Aircraft
BELL 206
Registration
N91TA
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree while conducting an external load operation.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot reported that, while hovering the helicopter and maneuvering aft about 60 ft above ground level during an external load operation, the tail rotor impacted a tree. He immediately lost yaw control, and the helicopter began to rapidly turn right. The main rotor then impacted trees, and the helicopter spun to the ground. The helicopter was destroyed by a postcrash fire. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

Related mishaps