Summary
On June 27, 2014, a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II (N560LH) was involved in an incident near Quincy, WA. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: 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.
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.
This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR14CA270. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N560LH.
Accident Details
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
Registered Owner (Historical)
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