NTSB Factual Report

On June 8, 2004, at 1850 Pacific daylight time, a Bell 206B helicopter, N213SD, was substantially damaged after impacting power lines while maneuvering near Prosser, Washington. The commercial pilot and his sole passenger were not injured. The helicopter, registered to Heliworks Inc., of Pensacola, Florida, was being operated in accordance with 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and a flight plan was not filed. The helicopter had departed the Tri-Cities Airport, Pasco, Washington, at approximately 1800

In a telephone interview with the NTSB investigator-in-charge (IIC), and according to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB form 6120.1/2), the pilot reported that while conducting cherry drying operations he made a right turn and caught the tail rotor in a power line. The pilot further reported, "...about 30 seconds later a vibration occurred. I pulled collective to attempt a landing on a road, [and] as I pulled collective the ship immediately swung to the right and the main rotor struck a power line." The pilot stated that he then banked away from the power line and "seemed" to gain some control. "I saw an opening in the orchard and headed for [it]. The ship came to rest upright between the trees."

The pilot reported damage to the helicopter included the transmission being separated from the airframe and the tail rotor and tail rotor assembly being damaged. The pilot also reported to the IIC that no anomalies existed with the helicopter prior to the accident which would have precluded normal operations.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the power lines while maneuvering.