Dinkelman Fire Helicopter Crash Fatality 1988

A Bell 204B with external longline and bucket was supporting firefighting operations by the state of Washington on the Dinkelman Fire southeast of Entiat when it crashed, killing both pilots. The helicopter was owned by a Canadian aviation company and piloted by two pilots, Lincoln McGowan and Jean Verville. The final investigation report gives the cause of the crash as a fracturing of the main rotor shaft, resulting in an inflight breakup. Factors included gusty, high winds, and the low experience level of the pilot flying the aircraft.