New details released into fatal helicopter crash

DAYTON, Washington – The Federal Aviation Administration and Columbia County Sheriff’s Office have released new details into Wednesday’s helicopter crash outside Dayton, Washington.

The Bell 206B, registered to North Wind Aviation of Chelan, struck power lines while conducting agricultural spray operations and subsequently impacted the terrain in an area off South Touchet Road around 12:30 p.m. The crash temporarily knocked out power to the area.

Once the first responders were able to access the scene, they found the Yakima pilot deceased.

On Thursday, representatives from the National Transportation Safety Board, FAA, Washington State Department of Ecology, Bonneville Power Administration, and the owner of North Wind Aviation, met with Columbia County Fire District No. 3, and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office to review drone footage of the wreckage and planned to visit the crash site.

The NTSB is investigating the cause of the crash. Anyone in the area who may have seen or heard the crash, including footage or surveillance video, is asked to contact the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov.

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office asks the public to stay out of the area to allow agencies to work on the power lines and recover the wreckage with could take a few days.

File photo of helicopter N23SD via North Wind Aviation

---

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 

---

---