SERS · BELL 212 · 2023-09-10 · Balch Camp, CA, USA
Event
NTSB number
WPR23LA338
Event ID
20230911193040
Type
Accident
Date
2023-09-10
Location
Balch Camp, CA, USA
Coordinates
36.963822, -119.05102
Injuries
Highest injury
SERS
Fatal
0
Serious
1
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
1
Aircraft
Make
BELL
Model
212
Registration
N873HL
FAR Part
133
Engines
2
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate performance planning for the operation that resulted in an excessive gross weight for the operating conditions, leading to a loss of altitude during maneuvering and contact with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue the flight despite a series of malfunctions with the water deployment system, and his subsequent inability to jettison the load, preventing a successful recovery from the loss of altitude.