N62413

On February 23, 1994, at approximately 1320 hours Pacific standard time (PST), a Hiller H-23D Soloy conversion, N62413, registered to Bennie B. Finnell, operated by Helicopter Enterprises, Inc., and being flown by Kevin I. Warner, a commercially certificated pilot, impacted terrain and rolled over while in a descent near Seaside, Oregon. The helicopter was destroyed and the pilot sustained minor injuries. The pilot reported visual meteorological conditions at the time of accident, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was engaged in sling loading cedar shakes, was to have been operated in accordance with the requirements set forth in 14CFR133, and originated from a helicopter pad near the accident site.

The pilot reported that after releasing a sling line of shakes and adding power while in a hover, the helicopter began to settle. He reported that he "lowered collective" and began a descent to attempt a recovery. Upon nearing the surface he "applied full power and contacted the surface sliding forward along the log landing" and that "the left forward skid hooked and (the) aircraft rolled to the left side, main rotor blades contacting the ground."

The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or power loss during the event.