Accident Details
Date
Friday, June 27, 2014
NTSB Number
WPR14CA270
Location
Quincy, WA
Event ID
20140628X02319
Coordinates
47.216667, -119.833335
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a wind generator tower while drying cherries, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control and subsequent hard landing.
Aircraft Information
Registration
N560LH
Make
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY
Serial Number
10036
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Registered Owner (Historical)
Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
NONE
Status
Deregistered
City
XXX
State / Zip Code
OK 73125
Country
United States
Analysis
The pilot reported that while drying cherries, he inadvertently let the main rotor blades strike a wind generator tower. The helicopter became uncontrollable, hit the ground hard, and came to rest in the orchard. The main rotor blades and airframe sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR14CA270