Balch Camp Helicopter Accident 2023

On September 10, 2023, about 1345 Pacific daylight time, a Bell 212 helicopter, N873HL, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Balch Camp, California. The fire was located between 7,000 ft and 8,000 ft msl, surrounded by 100-ft-tall pine trees. During a subsequent orbit of the area the pilot decided to approach the fire from higher terrain. As he approached the fire area he noticed that the helicopter required more power than expected. Although he was not initially concerned, he decided to approach the fire from a direction that would ensure a downhill escape. The pilot then slowed the helicopter; however, he felt that the helicopter still required more power than he expected and decided to jettison the water load. The pilot depressed the drop switch twice, but the water tank doors did not open. The pilot then elected to fly towards a meadow, but when he increased collective control and began the turn the low rotor rpm horn activated and the main rotor contacted a tree. The helicopter rapidly descended before it impacted the ground and a post-crash fire ensued. The pilot was seriously injured.