Bell 206B JetRanger II, N183TC, registered to White Rabbit Aviation LLC and operated by JP Helicopters: Accident occurred June 26, 2017 in Entiat, Chelan County, Washington

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Spokane, Washington

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

White Rabbit Aviation LLC: http://registry.faa.gov/N183TC

Location: Entiat, WA
Accident Number: GAA17CA369
Date & Time: 06/26/2017, 1645 PDT
Registration: N183TC
Aircraft: BELL 206B
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Miscellaneous/other
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural

The pilot of the helicopter reported that, while maneuvering at a low altitude for an aerial application flight, a clipboard that was on the seat next to him fell and became lodged under the anti-torque peddles. Unable to free the clipboard, the pilot chose to land. During landing, the pilot "lost tail rotor authority" about 5-10 ft. above the ground. He added that, "after about two rotations", he was able to land the helicopter. During the touchdown, the main rotor blades contacted and separated the tail boom.

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 32, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used: 5-point
Instrument Rating(s): Helicopter
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/14/2017
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 02/22/2016
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 353.5 hours (Total, all aircraft), 39.3 hours (Total, this make and model), 230.4 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 23 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 6 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: BELL
Registration: N183TC
Model/Series: 206B B
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 1975
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 1805
Landing Gear Type: Ski;
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3201 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo Shaft
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: ALLISON
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: 250-C20 SER
Registered Owner: WHITE RABBIT AVIATION LLC
Rated Power: 400 hp
Operator: JP Helicopters
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural Aircraft (137)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KEAT, 1229 ft msl
Observation Time: 2355 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 21 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 163°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 32°C / 6°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 14 knots, 280°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 29.71 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration:  No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Orondo, WA
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Orondo, WA
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1630 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 47.732222, -120.347778 (est)