Pilot Debrief

SIKORSKY S-55QT near Benton City, WA — 2024-06-03

Final reportWPR24LA173
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Date
2024-06-03
Location
Benton City, WA, USA
Aircraft
SIKORSKY S-55QT
Registration
N2302F
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during a low altitude operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that the purpose of the flight was to hover over cherry trees in attempt to dry off the orchard following a rain shower. While maneuvering about 30 ft above ground level (agl) at an airspeed of about 20 mph, parallel to power lines on his right side, he performed a turn, and the tail rotor blades contacted and severed the adjacent power lines. The pilot felt a tail-rotor imbalance and opted to land immediately. During the accident sequence, the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor. The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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