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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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September 7, 1995 · Bell 206L-3 · N62W

Castle Rock, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 7, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Castle Rock, WA
Aircraft
Bell 206L-3
Tail Number
N62W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA95LA210

The helicopter was engaged in an aerial survey at 75 feet agl over company property, when the passengers observed a hunter on the ground tracking the aircraft with a crossbow followed by release of an arrow. The arrow impacted one of the tail rotor blades. The helicopter made a precautionary landing shortly thereafter, and inspection of the aircraft revealed substantial damage. The hunter was subsequently arrested.

NTSB Probable Cause

sabotage by a hunter (shooting at the helicopter with a crossbow).

Full Narrative

On September 7, 1995, approximately 0805 hours Pacific daylight time, a Bell 206L-3, N62W, registered to/operated by Weyerhauser Corp., and being flown by an airline transport pilot, sustained substantial damage when a tail rotor-blade impacted an arrow released from a crossbow by a hunter on the ground. The accident occurred approximately 10 miles east of Castle Rock, Washington, while the aircraft was in cruise. The pilot and two passengers were uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a company flight plan was in effect. The flight, which was local aerial observation, was to have been operated under 14CFR91, and originated from Seattle at 0700. The pilot and two passengers reported that while the aircraft was over-flying Weyerhauser property at 75 feet above ground, an individual on the ground was observed to track the helicopter with a crossbow and then release an arrow. The pilot and passengers felt the impact and a precautionary landing was executed shortly thereafter. The individual, a deer hunter who fired at the rotorcraft, was subsequently apprehended and arrested.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:05 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206L-3
Tail NumberN62W
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · C 250-30P · Turboshaft · 650
Seats7

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 54 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 4400 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 54
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time14:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data