N62W

On September 7, 1995, approximately 0805 hours Pacific daylight time, a Bell 206L-3, N62W, registered to/operated by Weyerhauser Corp., and being flown by an airline transport pilot, sustained substantial damage when a tail rotor-blade impacted an arrow released from a crossbow by a hunter on the ground. The accident occurred approximately 10 miles east of Castle Rock, Washington, while the aircraft was in cruise. The pilot and two passengers were uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a company flight plan was in effect. The flight, which was local aerial observation, was to have been operated under 14CFR91, and originated from Seattle at 0700.

The pilot and two passengers reported that while the aircraft was over-flying Weyerhauser property at 75 feet above ground, an individual on the ground was observed to track the helicopter with a crossbow and then release an arrow. The pilot and passengers felt the impact and a precautionary landing was executed shortly thereafter.

The individual, a deer hunter who fired at the rotorcraft, was subsequently apprehended and arrested.