Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during a low altitude operation.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that the purpose of the flight was to hover over cherry trees in attempt to dry off the orchard following a rain shower. While maneuvering about 30 ft above ground level (agl) at an airspeed of about 20 mph, parallel to power lines on his right side, he performed a turn, and the tail rotor blades contacted and severed the adjacent power lines. The pilot felt a tail-rotor imbalance and opted to land immediately. During the accident sequence, the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor.
The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA173 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 3, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Benton City, Washington
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Sikorsky S-55QT
- N-number
- N2302F
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1952
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Other work use
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.