# NTSB Accident WPR23LA338
> **BELL 212** · 2023-09-10 · Balch Camp, CA, USA · SERS
## 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.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=WPR23LA338) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*