Pilot Debrief

BELL 206B near Royal City, WA — 2013-06-24

Final reportWPR13LA287
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Date
2013-06-24
Location
Royal City, WA, USA
Aircraft
BELL 206B
Registration
N407FK
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from netting material during a low pass over trees, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was drying a cherry tree orchard covered in netting material. During a low pass, he noted that the helicopter's skid was closer to the netting than he had anticipated, and, before he could adjust, the skid hooked the netting. The pilot was unable to maintain control as the helicopter rolled, and it subsequently struck the ground inverted. The orchard was sloped, which likely made it difficult for the pilot to adequately judge the helicopter's height above the trees. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have maintained a safer distance from the netting.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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