Bell 47K N88771

Summary

On 11 July 2014 at about 22:27 local time, a Bell 47K registered N88771 was involved in an accident near Kingston, Washington, United States. 4 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

11 July 2014 at 22:27

Classification

Accident

Location

Kingston, Washington, United States

Nearest airport

Thompson Airport (WA61)

Coordinates

47.8247, -122.4997

Aircraft

Bell 47K

Registration

N88771

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Kingston → Kingston

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR14CA290

2 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing approach, which resulted in an excessive descent angle and settling with power.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was making an approach to landing on a shoreline. As the helicopter passed through 200 feet, it encountered settling with power. The pilot was unable to arrest the descent and the helicopter subsequently impacted the water. The main rotor blades and aircraft structure were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.