Pilot Debrief

BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON 206L-1 near Glide, OR — 2021-08-27

Final reportWPR21LA333
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Date
2021-08-27
Location
Glide, OR, USA
Aircraft
BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON 206L-1
Registration
N303AE
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tree during an aerial application.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the helicopter reported that, while conducting an aerial application over an open area, the main rotor blades struck a tree that he had previously not seen. Subsequently, the helicopter began to spin to the left and impacted the terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and tailboom. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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