Sikorsky S-55B accident near Chelan, WA
On July 25, 2011, a Sikorsky S-55B (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Chelan, WA. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- July 25, 2011
- Place
- Chelan, WA
- Aircraft
- Sikorsky S-55B · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 47.891°N, 120.068°W
- NTSB ID
- 20110725X05443
Official records · WPR11FA350
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On July 25, 2011, about 1438 Pacific daylight time, a Sikorsky S-55B Helicopter, N5663, sustained substantial damage after colliding with powerlines and impacting terrain near Chelan, Washington. The helicopter was registered to Golden Wings Aviation and operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant of the helicopter sustained fatal injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the flight. The local flight originated from a staging area near the accident site about 10 minutes prior to the accident. A witness reported that the helicopter was flying over the cherry orchard from south to north, and just completed a left turn when it collided with the powerline. The witness reported the helicopter then descended out of view after the collision; however, seconds later, he observed a large cloud of black smoke near the area where the helicopter was maneuvering. The helicopter was contracted to overfly the rural cherry orchard in order to dry the cherries following a rain shower, and was engaged in cherry drying operations when the accident occurred. PERSONNEL INFORMATION The pilot, age 22, held a commercial pilot certificate with rotorcraft-helicopter and instrument ratings. Additionally, he held a flight instructor certificate, with a rotorcraft-helicopter rating. His most recent first-class airman medical certificate was issued May 5, 2011, with a restriction that he is required to wear corrective lenses. The pilot's logbook was not recovere
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering at a low altitude.
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Browse: Washington · Sikorsky aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
