Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree while conducting an external load operation.
NTSB analysis
The commercial pilot reported that, while hovering the helicopter and maneuvering aft about 60 ft above ground level during an external load operation, the tail rotor impacted a tree. He immediately lost yaw control, and the helicopter began to rapidly turn right. The main rotor then impacted trees, and the helicopter spun to the ground. The helicopter was destroyed by a postcrash fire. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR20LA331 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 9, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Randle, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Randle-Kiona Airpark (WN55)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 206
- N-number
- N91TA
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1981
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Operating rule
- Part 133 (external load)
- Purpose of flight
- External load
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.