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NTSB Report
September 1, 2012 · Croman SH-3H · N611CK
Covelo, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 1, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Covelo, CA
Aircraft
Croman SH-3H
Tail Number
N611CK
Operator
Croman
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR12CA387
The helicopter was involved in firefighting operations. The pilot flying was in the left seat, and the senior pilot was in the right seat. The pilot completed numerous water drops on the fire during a 2-hour period. The helicopter was making its second drop in an area of steep terrain, which was about 1,000 feet lower in elevation than the lake the pilots were using for a water source. Due to the smoke, the visibility was about 1/2 mile. All five main rotor blades made contact with a snag (typically the remnants of a tree such as the trunk and/or main branches without most of its foliage), and were substantially damaged; the operator pointed out that the snag was similar in color to the smoke. The senior pilot took control of the helicopter, climbed, and made an uneventful landing near the fill point.
NTSB Probable Cause
Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Ceiling/visibility/precip-Haze/smoke-Contributed to outcome
Full Narrative
The helicopter was involved in firefighting operations. The pilot flying was in the left seat, but the senior pilot was in the right seat. It had made numerous water drops on the fire during a 2-hour period. The helicopter was making its second drop in an area of steep terrain, which was approximately 1,000 feet lower in elevation than the lake it was using for a water source. Due to smoke, the visibility was about 1/2-mile. All five main rotor blades made contact with a snag (typically the remnants of a tree such as the trunk and/or main branches without most of its foliage); the operator pointed out that the snag was similar in color to the smoke. The senior pilot took control of the helicopter, climbed, and made an uneventful landing near the fill point.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:15 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCroman SH-3H
Tail NumberN611CK
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCroman
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsGe · T58-GE-402 · Turboshaft · 1500 | Ge · T58-GE-402 · Turboshaft · 1500
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 61 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 40 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time21:56
Weather SourceWFAC