1 fatal · Bell 205A1 · 2004-08-11 · Leavenworth, WA, USA
Event
NTSB number
SEA04TA158
Event ID
20040816X01225
Type
Accident
Date
2004-08-11
Location
Leavenworth, WA, USA
Coordinates
47.650001, -121.041664
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
1
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
1
Aircraft
Make
Bell
Model
205A1
Registration
N205XP
FAR Part
133
Engines
1
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the snag while hovering out of ground effect during an external load operation. Factors were the smoke jumper's misjudgment of the tree heights in the area, which resulted in the use of too short a long line, and their failure to communicate with the pilot about the tall snag.