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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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NTSB Report

July 11, 2009 · Bell 206B · N302PD

Burlington, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 11, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Burlington, WA
Aircraft
Bell 206B
Tail Number
N302PD
Operator
Farm & Forest Helicopter Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR09CA338

The pilot was returning from an aerial application flight in the local area. As he neared the flatbed trailer that he intended to utilize as his landing zone, he noticed that there was a right crosswind of about 5 knots. Just prior to touchdown he felt the helicopter move to the left and subsequently contact the trailer. He attempted to lift off from the trailer by adding right cyclic and increasing the collective. The helicopter rolled to the right, resulting in the main rotor blades contacting the ground and substantial damage to the main rotor assembly, tail rotor assembly, and the tail boom. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter while attempting to lift off from a trailer. The helicopter subsequently impacted the ground and rolled over.

Full Narrative

In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was returning from an aerial application flight in the local area. As he neared the flatbed trailer that he intended to utilize as his landing zone, he noticed that there was a right crosswind of about 5 knots. Just prior to touchdown he felt the helicopter move to the left and subsequently contact the trailer. He attempted to lift off from the trailer by adding right cyclic and increasing the collective. The helicopter rolled to the right, resulting in the main rotor blades contacting the ground. The main rotor blades then impacted the tail boom resulting in its separation from the fuselage. The helicopter came to rest on its right side in a nose high attitude. Examination of the helicopter by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor assembly, tail rotor assembly, and tail boom. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:34 PDT
Nearest AirportSkagit Regional Airport (4nm)
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206B
Tail NumberN302PD
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFarm & Forest Helicopter Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20 SER · Turboshaft · 420
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 24 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time18:30
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data