# NTSB SEA96LA070: Bell 206B, N57362, La Grande, OR, March 18, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: March 18, 1996, 08:00 local (16:00 UTC) - Place: La Grande, OR - Coordinates: 45.319778, -118.200202 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.3198&lon=-118.2002&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report July 25, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 42347 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA96LA070 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42347/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96LA070 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with trees after pulling up from an aerial application spray run. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, maneuvering - aerial application - object - tree(s) - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - Loss of control - in flight, emergency descent/landing - maneuver to avoid obstructions - performed, pilot in command - Roll over, emergency descent/landing ## Analysis The pilot reported that after performing a low-altitude aerial application spray run, he initiated a climb to clear trees. The left spray boom impacted one of the trees and the helicopter began to rotate to the right. The pilot applied full left pedal, but the helicopter continued to rotate to the right. The pilot initiated an emergency descent while trying to avoid obstacles. The helicopter impacted the ground while rotating and rolled over. ## Factual narrative On March 18, 1996, about 0800 Pacific standard time, N57362, a Bell 206B helicopter, operated by Pioneer Aviation, Inc., La Grande, Oregon, impacted trees and terrain and was substantially damaged while maneuvering near La Grande. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The aerial application flight was conducted under 14 CFR 137. The pilot reported that after performing a low-altitude aerial application spray run, he initiated a climb to clear trees. The left spray boom impacted one of the trees and the helicopter began to rotate to the right. The pilot applied full left pedal, but the helicopter continued to rotate to the right. The pilot further stated: My main objective was to continue to maintain control of the helicopter in order to avoid injury to the surrounding residents or damage to structures. I reduced the pitch on the main blade with the collective to slow rotation of the helicopter just enough to stay clear of the trees. Using the cyclic and collective I milked my way toward the middle of the field, southwest of the trees. I continued to work the pedals with no response. The helicopter continued to rotate while descending to land. The ship maintained a level attitude throughout the decent until the skids impacted the ground. After hitting the ground, the helicopter sprung up and rolled over, coming to rest on the left side. According to an FAA aviation safety inspector from Boise, Idaho, the cabin and tail boom were substantially damaged. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions were reported. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N57362](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N57362-2005-06-02), registration cancelled 2005-06-02, S/N 3017, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Bell 206B - Registry model: [Bell 206B](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-206b) (registry code 1181511) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Allison 250 SER 250HP](https://openairdocs.org/engine/allison-250-ser-250hp) (registry code 03002, turbo-shaft) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 3017 - Airframe hours: 5514 - Engines: Allison 250-C20B 420 horsepower turbo shaft - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Operator: Pioneer Aviation, Inc. - Registered owner: Knight Leasing - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special); Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, February 18, 1996, 25 hours before - Departed: LGD, OR ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 39; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 3,174 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 32 °F, dew point 28 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: LGD ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 19960318004239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960318004239A), Mar 18, 1996: Bell 206B, La Grande, OR, Substantial damage. Tail roter clipped trees, crashed in field, landed on side. Skids bent, tail rotor blade broke off. Boom bent. (.4)the pilot reported that after performing a… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.