Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-level operations in light rain conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was maneuvering the helicopter at low altitude over a cherry field in light rain conditions. As he air taxied about 30 ft above the ground and about 15 knots, the helicopter struck a power line and landed inverted on a tractor. The helicopter was destroyed by the 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 WPR22LA245 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 6, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wenatchee, Washington
- Nearest airport
- (NA)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Hiller UH-12E
- N-number
- N130HA
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1975
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Other work use
Other records under this N-number
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.