Casualties unknown

Helicopter Tail Rotor Entangles in Power Line During Turn, Leading to Crash (N213SD)

Prosser, WA, US

On June 9, 2004, a Bell 206B (registration N213SD) was involved in an aviation accident near Prosser, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the power lines while maneuvering. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter's tail rotor became entangled in a power line during a right turn. The pilot attempted to land on a road, but the aircraft swung, struck another line with the main rotor, and crashed, coming to rest upright.

Accident Sequence

During a right turn, the helicopter's tail rotor became entangled in a power line. The pilot responded by pulling collective in an attempt to land on a road. This action caused the helicopter to swing to the right, and the main rotor subsequently struck another power line. As the pilot banked away from the second power line, he appeared to regain some control of the aircraft before it impacted the ground.

Final Resting Position

The helicopter came to rest in an upright position on its skids. No pre-accident anomalies with the helicopter were noted that would have precluded normal operations.

Examination

Investigators found no evidence of any pre-existing mechanical issues or malfunctions that could have contributed to the accident. The helicopter was operating normally prior to the power line entanglements.

All Bell 206 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jun 2004 Bell 206B accident near Prosser, WA?

A helicopter's tail rotor became entangled in a power line during a right turn. The pilot attempted to land on a road, but the aircraft swung, struck another line with the main rotor, and crashed, coming to rest upright.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jun 2004 involved a Bell 206B, registration N213SD, at Prosser, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the power lines while maneuvering.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040621X00839. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.