Kaman K-1200 N162KA

Summary

On 12 May 2004 at about 14:50 local time, a Kaman K-1200 registered N162KA, operated by Superior Helicopter LLC., was involved in an accident near West Fork, Oregon, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

12 May 2004 at 14:50

Classification

Accident

Location

West Fork, Oregon, United States

Coordinates

42.7892, -123.7036

Aircraft

Kaman K-1200

Registration

N162KA

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Superior Helicopter LLC.

Operating rule

Part 133: Rotorcraft Ext. Load

Purpose of flight

Other Work Use

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

West Fork → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

SEA04LA082

1 person died.

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance with trees during logging operations. Contributing factors were the trees, mountainous (steeply sloped) terrain, and the pilot's decision to conduct operations in this terrain with a 200 foot long line.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot was conducting logging operations in steeply sloped, tree covered mountainous terrain utilizing a 200 foot long line. Witnesses observed the rotorcraft in a hover at treetop level attempting to pick up a log when the right rotor blades began contacting treetops. The rotorcraft rolled and then descended to ground impact.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.