Summary
On July 11, 2014, a Bell 47K (N88771) was involved in an accident near Kingston, WA. The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries, with 2 people uninjured out of 4 aboard. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing approach, which resulted in an excessive descent angle and settling with power.
The pilot reported that he was making an approach to landing on a shoreline. As the helicopter passed through 200 feet, it encountered settling with power. The pilot was unable to arrest the descent and the helicopter subsequently impacted the water. The main rotor blades and aircraft structure were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
This accident is documented in NTSB report WPR14CA290. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N88771.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing approach, which resulted in an excessive descent angle and settling with power.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that he was making an approach to landing on a shoreline. As the helicopter passed through 200 feet, it encountered settling with power. The pilot was unable to arrest the descent and the helicopter subsequently impacted the water. The main rotor blades and aircraft structure were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter 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# WPR14CA290