Bell 47G-3B-2, N684PC: Accident occurred July 03, 2014 in Gaston, Oregon

WESTERN HELICOPTER SERVICES INC: http://registry.faa.govN684PC 

 NTSB Identification: WPR14CA280
Accident occurred Thursday, July 03, 2014 in Gaston, OR
Aircraft: BELL 47G 3B 2, registration: N684PC

NTSB investigators will use data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator, and will not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.


GASTON, Ore. (KOIN 6) — A chemical-spraying helicopter crashed on takeoff at the over a Stimson Lumber Company Mill in Gaston just after 8 a.m. after a cable
A helicopter that crashed in Gaston July 3, 2014 was hovering eight to 10 feet above the ground when it crashed, according to a fire official. (Forest Grove Fire)A helicopter that crashed in Gaston July 3, 2014 was hovering eight to 10 feet above the ground when it crashed, according to a fire official. (Forest Grove Fire)

The Bell 47G-3B-2 helicopter, used for spraying chemical pesticides, when it was hovering no more than 10 feet off the ground, said Gaston Fire Department spokesperson Dave Nemeyer.

How did it crash?

As Larson attempted to take off with a bucked full of mosquito treatment suspended underneath, the right landing gear of the helicopter became entangled in the cables suspending the bucket,  the Clark County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

The mosquito pesticide was to be sprayed on nearby log ponds.
Debris from a helicopter crash in Gaston flew into the windshield of this pickup, July 3, 2014 (Forest Grove FD)Debris from a helicopter crash in Gaston flew into the windshield of this pickup, July 3, 2014 (Forest Grove FD)

Witnesses – four within forty feet of the crash – said the aircraft reached a height of roughly 20 feet before crashing.

The four men who saw the chopper struggling to take off ran for cover behind a nearby pickup.

Debris from the helicopter, including a rotor, damaged several pick-up trucks near the crash site, including one 150 feet away.

The chopper is a total loss from the damage it received, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office said.Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration led the investigation.

Story and Photos:  http://koin.com


A helicopter pilot escaped injury after a crash at Stimson Lumber Thursday morning, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Shortly after 8 a.m., the 1969 Bell helicopter, from Newberg-based Western Helicopter Services, was spraying for mosquitoes at the lumber mill, said Sgt. Bob Ray, a sheriff's office spokesman. Ray identified the pilot as 31-year-old Warren Larson, who is from California.

"He took off, he got up about 20 feet in the air, the helicopter tipped, and went down immediately," Ray said.

Stimson employees were working outside when the crash occurred, Ray said. They ducked to avoid shrapnel that was flying from the crashed helicopter.

"They saw the helicopter having some problems, so they ran and hid behind a pickup truck, which was very good for them because there was a lot of shrapnel and debris that did come out from this," Ray said.

Forest Grove Fire & Rescue, whose crews assisted at the scene, said debris from the helicopter's rotor flew through the windshield of a pickup truck and landed about 100 feet away.

Stimson's property is at 49800 S.W. Scoggins Valley Road near Gaston and Henry Hagg Lake in western Washington County.

Gaston Rural Fire District and Forest Grove crews along with sheriff's deputies responded to the incident. 

Fire crews assessed the pilot and also addressed spilled fluids, Gaston Fire Chief Roger Mesenbrink said.

Larson, he said, was able to exit the helicopter on his own.

"The pilot walked away," he said.

The lone occupant in the helicopter, Larson was check by medical personnel at the scene and released, Ray said. The cause of the crash is unknown.

The Federal Aviation Administration, Ray said, will investigate.

Story and Photo Gallery:  http://www.oregonlive.com