NTSB Factual Report

On May 25, 2018, about 0947 Pacific daylight time, a Bell UH-1H, helicopter, N111DR, collided with terrain shortly after takeoff near Olympia, Washington. The pilot sustained minor injuries, and sole passenger sustained serious injuries. The helicopter, which was registered to and operated by Northwest Helicopters Inc. as a maintenance test flight, and under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight departed Olympia Heliport (0WN4), Olympia, Washington, about 0946.

An eyewitness to the accident reported that he observed the helicopter take off, climb to about 200 ft above ground level, start to spin, and then impact terrain. The witness stated that during the accident sequence the tail rotor did not appear to be turning. Damage to the helicopter included the partial separation of the tail boom about 4 ft aft of the engine.

At 0954, the Olympia Regional Airport (LOM) weather reporting facility, located about 1 mile northwest of the accident site, reported wind 10° at 3 knots, visibility 10 miles, broken clouds at 1,600 ft, temperature 13°C, dew point 8°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.05 inches of mercury.

The helicopter was recovered to a secured facility for further examination.