NTSB releases preliminary report into fatal helicopter crash near Dayton
By Dan Thesman on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
DAYTON, Washington – The National Transportation Safety Board has released a preliminary investigation report following the March 19 fatal helicopter crash near Dayton, Washington.
The helicopter, a Bell 206B II, was substantially damaged when it impacted electrical cables and the terrain at 12:28 p.m. The pilot, Matt Tarter, 34, of Yakima, was fatally injured.
According to the helicopter operator, North Wind Aviation of Chelan, Tarter had applied herbicide to a field near Dayton and was enroute to another area to be sprayed when the accident occurred.
The NTSB said the accident site was located within a canyon about 1,000 feet deep and about one mile wide, and oriented generally north/south. Three electrical cables crossed the canyon near the accident site, supported by two steel electrical towers about 4,200 feet apart. One steel tower is located on the west edge of the canyon, and the other tower is located about 500 feet below the east rim of the canyon. The southern cable displayed frayed wires, and the center cable was severed (see photo below).
The wreckage was spread over a large area. The NTSB said impact signatures were observed on the left nose section and fuselage consistent with contact with an electrical cable (see photo below).
The engine remained mounted to the fuselage. The NTSB noted the engine displayed no evidence of pre-impact damage, fire, or mechanical malfunction.
Map via NTSB shows the helicopter wreckage distribution
