Bell 206B N407FK accident near Royal City, Washington

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from netting material during a low pass over trees, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he was drying a cherry tree orchard covered in netting material. During a low pass, he noted that the helicopter's skid was closer to the netting than he had anticipated, and, before he could adjust, the skid hooked the netting. The pilot was unable to maintain control as the helicopter rolled, and it subsequently struck the ground inverted. The orchard was sloped, which likely made it difficult for the pilot to adequately judge the helicopter's height above the trees. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13LA287 for the full record.