WPR12LA259

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.

On June 12, 2012, at 1520 Pacific daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II, N282MC, collided with a power line in East Wenatchee, Washington. The helicopter was owned by Reed Helicopters, and operated by Dragonfly Aviation, LLC, through a contract with JR Helicopters, LLC, under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The commercial pilot sustained serious injuries and the pilot rated passenger was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.According to the operator, the helicopter was on a 30-day contract to dry cherries and the contract had been arranged through JR Helicopters. The operator reported that the helicopter was not equipped with dual controls. During a telephone interview, the pilot stated that the pilot rated passenger was a newer employee and had come out to watch the flying pilot work the orchard. The passenger asked if he could go up on a flight. The flying pilot stated that it wasn't typical, but there was nothing prohibiting it, so he took the passenger with him on the accident flight to show him the ropes. The flying pilot stated that he did not recall the accident, but that there was nothing wrong with the helicopter prior to lift off, and transition to forward flight. A witness, who lived next to the orchard, watched the helicopter as it flew. She reported that the helicopter was flying in a southerly direction. As the helicopter made a steep left turn, the main rotor impacted a power line and the helicopter descended into a tree. A postaccident airframe and engine examination revealed that rotation signatures were identified on the fanwheel and clutch assemblies. The engine spark plugs were removed and normal wear signatures were noted. Engine cylinder compression was established by covering the lower spark plug holes with a finger. Flight control continuity was established. The flight control servos were removed and visually appeared normal. The two hydraulic servo's (actuators) were subsequently disassembled and the hydraulic fluid remaining was captured. At the conclusion of the examination, no mechanical malfunctions or failures were revealed that would have precluded normal operation.