On June 25, 2013, a ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II II was involved in an aviation accident near The Dalles, OR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to see and avoid wires while maneuvering at a low-altitude, which resulted in the main rotor blades striking the wires. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A helicopter's main rotor blades were substantially damaged after contacting a power line while maneuvering over a cherry orchard during a drying operation in low light due to cloudy conditions.
Incident Details
A pilot reported that the helicopter was maneuvering at a low altitude over a cherry orchard as part of a drying operation. During the maneuver, the main rotor blades contacted a wire, resulting in substantial damage to the blades.
Weather and Visibility
The light was low due to cloudy weather conditions. The pilot stated that he did not see corroded copper wires that were adjacent to the orchard.
Pilot Report
The pilot noticed a pole that had shiny wires on one side, which gave him the illusion that it was the end of the power line. The other pole connected to the line was obscured by trees and not visible. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Causes
PilotAltitude — Not attained/maintained
Other contributing factors
Contributed to outcome
Related events
Same aircraft family
13 Sep 2026 — ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II (Chop Air LLC)
16 Jul 2026 — ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II (D&p LLC)
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 25 Jun 2013 ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II II accident near The Dalles, OR?
A helicopter's main rotor blades were substantially damaged after contacting a power line while maneuvering over a cherry orchard during a drying operation in low light due to cloudy conditions.
Were there any fatalities in the 25 Jun 2013 ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II II accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Jun 2013 involved a ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II II, at The Dalles, OR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to see and avoid wires while maneuvering at a low-altitude, which resulted in the main rotor blades striking the wires.
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