N43823

On February 3, 1994, at 1030 Pacific standard time, a Bell 206B, N43823, collided with the terrain during an external load operation, 16 miles north of Cathlamet, Washington. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter was substantially damaged and the certificated commercial pilot received minor injuries.

It was reported that the helicopter was hovering over the ground crew truck with a bucket on the end of the long line. The ground crew were filling the bucket with fertilizer, when the bucket began swinging and caught on the truck. The pilot was unable to release the long line before the rotor blades contacted the nearby terrain. The pilot was unable to maintain control of the helicopter which struck the ground and began to roll down the hill. The long line became entangled in the trees and stopped the helicopter.