Bell 206B N86W

Summary

On 14 October 2003 at about 17:45 local time, a Bell 206B registered N86W, operated by Oregon Department of Forestry, was involved in an accident near Swisshome, Oregon, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

14 October 2003 at 17:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Swisshome, Oregon, United States

Coordinates

44.0625, -123.8000

Aircraft

Bell 206B

Registration

N86W

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Oregon Department of Forestry

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Other Work Use

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Eugene → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

SEA04LA005

2 people died.

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering. The power line, mountainous terrain with high obstructions (thick trees and underbrush) and the operators failure to maintain a "hazard map" as indicated in their procedures manual were factors.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

During a low level reconnaissance flight for the Department of Forestry to locate water holes/dip sites for future fire suppression actions, the helicopter collided with an unmarked neutral power line that was strung across the river. The helicopter subsequently collided in the river about 300 feet west of the remaining power lines. The surrounding terrain was mountainous and covered with dense trees and underbrush. The vegetation was in close proximity to the power line towers. Patchy fog and clouds were in the area at the time. The pilot of the helicopter that recovered the wreckage from the river stated that the remaining lines were hard to see and blended in with the vegetation and terrain. Existing maps did not indicate the presence of these lines and the Department of Forestry did not maintain a "hazard map" for the area as indicated in their Aviation Procedures Manual.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.