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NTSB Report
September 9, 2020 · Bell 206 B · N91TA
Randle, WA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 9, 2020
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Randle, WA
Aircraft
Bell 206 B (1981)
Tail Number
N91TA
Operator
Hagerman Jess
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
WPR20LA331
The commercial pilot reported that, while hovering the helicopter and maneuvering aft about 60 ft above ground level during an external load operation, the tail rotor impacted a tree. He immediately lost yaw control, and the helicopter began to rapidly turn right. The main rotor then impacted trees, and the helicopter spun to the ground. The helicopter was destroyed by a postcrash fire. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree while conducting an external load operation.
Full Narrative
The commercial pilot reported that, while hovering the helicopter and maneuvering aft about 60 ft above ground level during an external load operation, the tail rotor impacted a tree. He immediately lost yaw control, and the helicopter began to rapidly turn right. The main rotor then impacted trees, and the helicopter spun to the ground. The helicopter was destroyed by a postcrash fire. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 PDT
Nearest AirportRandle-Kiona Airpark (27nm ESE)
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 206 B
Tail NumberN91TA
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorHagerman Jess
Operating RulePart 133
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls-Royce · 250-C-20B · Turboshaft · 420
Seats5
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 77 · Second Class · Serious
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 57
Altimeter30.09 inHg
Observation Time10:15