# NTSB Accident SEA04TA158
> **Bell 205A1** · 2004-08-11 · Leavenworth, WA, USA · FATL
## 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.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=SEA04TA158) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*