# NTSB WPR12LA259: Robinson Helicopter R44 II, N282MC, East Wenatchee, WA, June 12, 2012 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: June 12, 2012, 15:20 local (22:20 UTC) - Place: East Wenatchee, WA - Coordinates: 47.409168, -120.249725 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.4092&lon=-120.2497&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Low altitude operation/event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 serious - Status: Completed, report December 15, 2014 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: Robinson Helicopter Company, Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 83942 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR12LA259 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/83942/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=83942 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA259 ## Probable cause The pilot’s failure to adequately monitor the environment and maintain clearance from the power lines while maneuvering at low altitude. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Attention/monitoring: monitoring environment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021545): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II, 29 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021545/cases.md?model=7640122), [All aircraft, 809 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021545/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: altitude](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II, 39 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md?model=7640122), [All aircraft, 1,310 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: wire](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Effect on equipment; cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II, 26 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md?model=7640122), [All aircraft, 588 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md) - [Action: incorrect action performance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II, 12 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/cases.md?model=7640122), [All aircraft, 1,386 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II, 95 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=7640122), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) - [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Low altitude operation/event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220) (defining event); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II, 45 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md?model=7640122), [All aircraft, 780 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md) ## Analysis 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. ## Factual narrative 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. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N282MC](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N282MC-2017-10-26), registration cancelled 2017-10-26, S/N 10694, built 2005 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II - Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r44-ii) (registry code 7640122) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-series) (registry code 41530, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 10694 - Airframe hours: 1261 - Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-AE1A5 300 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Other work use, Part 91 - Operator: Dragonfly Aviation, LLC - Registered owner: Reed Helicopters LLC - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, February 11, 2012 - Departed: Wenatchee, WA - Destination: Wenatchee, WA ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 31; injuries: serious; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2; seat: right; flight hours: 374 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 7 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 7,000 ft broken - Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 52 °F - Altimeter: 29.89 inHg - Observed at: EAT, 2 nm away ## 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 20120612013159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20120612013159A), Jun 12, 2012: Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II, East Wenatchee, WA, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. The pilot and pilot rated passenger were conducting cherry drying operations in a Robinson R44 ii helicopter. They had finished a north to south pass and were… ## Docket (8 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on October 30, 2014, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=83942. 1.7 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 798 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40418374&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Witness Statement (item 2, .PDF, 87 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40418375&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Witness%20Statement%20-Master.PDF - FAA Inspector’s Statement (item 3, .PDF, 136 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40418376&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Inspector%E2%80%99s%20Statement-Redacted.PDF - NTSB R44 Hydraulic Actuator Examination Report (item 4, .PDF, 373 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40418377&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=NTSB%20R44%20Hydraulic%20Actuator%20Examination%20Report-Master.PDF - Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 5, .PDF, 65 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40418378&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Redacted.PDF - Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 (item 6, .PDF, 139 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40418379&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.15-Redacted.PDF - Record of Conversation – Owner (item 7, .PDF, 19 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40418381&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20%E2%80%93%20Owner-Master.PDF - Record of Conversation – Walker (item 8, .PDF, 84 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40418382&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20%E2%80%93%20Walker-Master.PDF 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.