Robinson R44 II N282MC

Summary

On 12 June 2012 at about 22:20 local time, a Robinson R44 II registered N282MC, operated by Dragonfly Aviation, LLC, was involved in an accident near East Wenatchee, Washington, United States. 2 people were on board and one died, one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

12 June 2012 at 22:20

Classification

Accident

Location

East Wenatchee, Washington, United States

Coordinates

47.4092, -120.2497

Aircraft

Robinson R44 II

Registration

N282MC

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Dragonfly Aviation, LLC

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Other Work Use

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Wenatchee → Wenatchee

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR12LA259

1 person died.

The pilot’s failure to adequately monitor the environment and maintain clearance from the power lines while maneuvering at low altitude.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot was maneuvering the helicopter at low altitude to conduct a cherry-drying operation. A witness in the local area reported that the helicopter was flying near power lines when it made a steep left turn. The main rotor subsequently impacted the power lines, and the helicopter descended into a tree. The pilot sustained serious injuries and did not recall the accident sequence. He did recall that the helicopter had no mechanical issues before liftoff or during transition to forward flight. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.