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NTSB Report

November 15, 2023 · Bell OH-58A · N103WC

Estacada, OR

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 15, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Estacada, OR
Aircraft
Bell OH-58A (1969)
Tail Number
N103WC
Operator
Edgefield Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR24LA036

The pilot reported that he was relocating bundles of trees from the harvest field onto a truck bed. Approximately 30 minutes into the operation, the load hook did not immediately release when he was setting a bundle down. The pilot pressed the release button multiple times, as he had done in similar situations in the past. The helicopter’s momentum, as it moved back towards the field, caused the bundle to slide a few feet. One of the main rotor blades then struck the tail boom, and the other blade flapped down, cutting off the rear section of the tail boom, vertical stabilizer, and tail rotor. The helicopter spun several times before landing, resting flat on the skids. The landing impact was forceful enough to break the mast and dislodge the main transmission. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor, tail boom, vertical stabilizer, tail rotor, and transmission. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operations.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control during an external load operation, which resulted in the helicopter’s main rotor blades impacting the tail boom.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he was relocating bundles of trees from the harvest field onto a truck bed. Approximately 30 minutes into the operation, the load hook did not immediately release when he was setting a bundle down. The pilot pressed the release button multiple times, as he had done in similar situations in the past. The helicopter’s momentum, as it moved back towards the field, caused the bundle to slide a few feet. One of the main rotor blades then struck the tail boom, and the other blade flapped down, cutting off the rear section of the tail boom, vertical stabilizer, and tail rotor. The helicopter spun several times before landing, resting flat on the skids. The landing impact was forceful enough to break the mast and dislodge the main transmission. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor, tail boom, vertical stabilizer, tail rotor, and transmission. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operations.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:45 PST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell OH-58A
Tail NumberN103WC
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorEdgefield Aviation
Operating RulePart 133
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · T63-A-720 · Turboshaft · 400
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 47 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
Wind20° @ 4 kt
Visibility2.5 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 700 ft
Temperature / Dew Point46 F / 45 F
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time07:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data