Probable cause
The pilot's failure to see and avoid a powerline while flying at low altitude over a river.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while flying low along the river, the helicopter collided with an unseen wire. The pilot subsequently accomplished a landing in the shallow water of the river without further incident. A main rotor blade was substantially damaged. 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 WPR23LA105 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 6, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Yakima, Washington
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Hughes 269C
- N-number
- N7452F
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1976
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.