Accident Details
On July 25, 2011, at approximately 1145 Pacific daylight time, a Sikorsky S-55B helicopter, registration N855TC, sustained substantial damage after colliding with terrain near Brewster, Washington. The helicopter was operated by Golden Wings Aviation under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight, which had departed Brewster about 45 minutes prior.
Pilot Report
The private pilot, who was accompanied by a pilot-rated passenger, stated that he was conducting a low-level flight for hire over cherry orchards to dry the trees. The orchard was bordered by a series of power lines. The pilot reported that gusty, variable winds with peak gusts to 30 knots were present. During a low hovering pass over the orchard, a gust from the left pushed the helicopter to the right toward the power lines. In an attempt to avoid the lines, the pilot increased collective pitch, initiating a climb. During the climb, main rotor rpm decayed, and the nose yawed to the right. The pilot lowered the collective and increased engine power to regain rotor rpm, but the helicopter descended into the orchard.
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. He further stated that the accident could have been prevented if the flight had been conducted after the wind had diminished.