Bell 206 N65PJ

Summary

On 2 June 2020 at about 19:50 local time, a Bell 206 registered N65PJ, operated by P J Helicopters Inc, was involved in an accident near Fairfield, California, United States. 3 people were on board and 3 died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

2 June 2020 at 19:50

Classification

Accident

Location

Fairfield, California, United States

Coordinates

38.3097, -122.0339

Aircraft

Bell 206

Registration

N65PJ

Category

Helicopter

Year built

1985

Engines

1

Operator

P J Helicopters Inc

Operating rule

Part 133: Rotorcraft Ext. Load

Purpose of flight

External Load

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Fairfield → Fairfield

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR20LA163

3 people died.

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from powerlines while conducting external load operations, which resulted in the main rotor contacting a wire and a subsequent collision with terrain.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot of the helicopter was retrieving two linemen after they completed powerline work and transporting them back to the landing zone via longline. A witness stated that, after picking up the linemen, the helicopter ascended into the powerlines, impacting, and severing one line located about 210 ft above ground level. The helicopter subsequently impacted terrain, rolled downhill, and came to rest in a ravine. Examination of the helicopter revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The main rotor blades displayed evidence of blade contact, and the engine compressor impeller contained debris consistent with the engine operating at the time of ground impact. The circumstances of the accident are consistent with the pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from powerlines, which resulted in the main rotor impacting a wire and subsequent impact with terrain.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.