ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 387253
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| Date: | Thursday 21 September 2000 |
| Time: | 11:00 LT |
| Type: |  Bell 206-L4 |
| Owner/operator: | Us Forest Service |
| Registration: | N3310 |
| MSN: | 52094 |
| Year of manufacture: | 1994 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 2261 hours |
| Engine model: | Allison 250-C30P |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | Atlanta, ID -
 United States of America
|
| Phase: | Unknown |
| Nature: | Unknown |
| Departure airport: | Graham, ID (U45) |
| Investigating agency: | NTSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
The pilot reported that he had performed an aerial survey of the site for an external load drop, and determined that there was sufficient room to belly hook the load in lieu of a long line. As the helicopter descended to the drop zone, the main rotor blades struck 1-2 inch in diameter pine trees. The pilot was unaware of the collision, and after dropping the load, began the vertical climb to clear the trees and then to transition to forward flight. At approximately 40 knots, the pilot felt a vibration and elected to fly the 3.5 miles back to the cargo loading site. After landing, the main rotor blades were inspected and evidence of the collision to both blades were noted. The ground crew member at the drop zone, and who was in contact with the pilot, reported that she was 'awestruck' when the collision occurred, but allowed the drop to continue and did not notify the pilot of the collision at the time.
Probable Cause: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an object. Trees and inadequate ground communications were a factor.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
NTSB SEA00TA182
Location
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 03-May-2024 07:06 | ASN Update Bot | Added |
Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description
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