NTSB Factual Report

On April 25, 2005, about 0940 Pacific daylight time, a restricted category Williams UH-1B helicopter (formally a Bell UH-1B), N334WN, sustained substantial damage following a main rotor blade strike during an aerial application operation near Uniontown, Washington. The helicopter is registered to Leading Edge Aviation of Lewiston, Idaho, and was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) agricultural flight under the provisions of Title 14, CFR Part 137, when the accident occurred. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant of the helicopter, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A company flight plan was in effect for the local flight that originated in Uniontown approximately 15 minutes prior to the accident.

In a written statement dated April 20, the pilot reported that he was conducting spray operations, under power lines, when the helicopter was "hit" with a gust of wind that was sufficient enough to "push the helicopter" toward a series of power poles. The pilot further stated that he was unable to correct his flight path and the helicopter's main rotor blade subsequently impacted a power pole resulting in substantial damage.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an object while maneuvering, which resulted in the main rotor blades striking a power pole. The power pole was a factor in the accident.