Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II accident near East Wenatchee, WA
On June 12, 2012, a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II (helicopter) was involved in an accident near East Wenatchee, WA. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- June 12, 2012
- Place
- East Wenatchee, WA
- Aircraft
- Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 1 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 47.409°N, 120.250°W
- NTSB ID
- 20120612X20331
Official records · WPR12LA259
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
On June 12, 2012, at 1520 Pacific daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II, N282MC, collided with a power line in East Wenatchee, Washington. The helicopter was owned by Reed Helicopters, and operated by Dragonfly Aviation, LLC, through a contract with JR Helicopters, LLC, under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The commercial pilot sustained serious injuries and the pilot rated passenger was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.According to the operator, the helicopter was on a 30-day contract to dry cherries and the contract had been arranged through JR Helicopters. The operator reported that the helicopter was not equipped with dual controls. During a telephone interview, the pilot stated that the pilot rated passenger was a newer employee and had come out to watch the flying pilot work the orchard. The passenger asked if he could go up on a flight. The flying pilot stated that it wasn't typical, but there was nothing prohibiting it, so he took the passenger with him on the accident flight to show him the ropes. The flying pilot stated that he did not recall the accident, but that there was nothing wrong with the helicopter prior to lift off, and transition to forward flight. A witness, who lived next to the orchard, watched the helicopter as it flew. She reported that the helicopter was flying in a southerly direction. As the helicopter made a steep left turn, the main rotor impacted a power line and the helicopter descended into a t
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to adequately monitor the environment and maintain clearance from the power lines while maneuvering at low altitude.
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Browse: Washington · Robinson 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.
