Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II near Quincy, WA — 2014-06-27

Final reportWPR14CA270
Sign in to save
Date
2014-06-27
Location
Quincy, WA, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Registration
N560LH
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a wind generator tower while drying cherries, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control and subsequent hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while drying cherries, he inadvertently let the main rotor blades strike a wind generator tower. The helicopter became uncontrollable, hit the ground hard, and came to rest in the orchard. The main rotor blades and airframe sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

Related mishaps