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NTSB Report
January 18, 1993 · Robinson R-22 BETA · N2304P
Watsonville, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 18, 1993
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Watsonville, CA
Aircraft
Robinson R-22 BETA
Tail Number
N2304P
Operator
Verticare Helicopters
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX93LA092
THE PILOT AND PASSENGER WERE SEARCHING FOR A MISSING PERSON IN A RIVER. THE PILOT DIVERTED HIS ATTENTION WHILE SEARCHING FOR THE PERSON AND FAILED TO SEE THE WIRES THAT CROSSED THE RIVER. THE HELICOPTER PLUNGED TO THE GROUND AFTER COLLIDING WITH THE WIRES. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE DID NOT ENCOUNTER ANY PREEXISTING HELICOPTER MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES.
NTSB Probable Cause
PILOT'S POOR VISUAL LOOK-OUT. A FACTOR RELATING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THAT THE PILOT DIVERTED HIS ATTENTION.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT AND PASSENGER WERE SEARCHING FOR A MISSING PERSON IN A RIVER. THE PILOT DIVERTED HIS ATTENTION WHILE SEARCHING FOR THE PERSON AND FAILED TO SEE THE WIRES THAT CROSSED THE RIVER. THE HELICOPTER PLUNGED TO THE GROUND AFTER COLLIDING WITH THE WIRES. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE DID NOT ENCOUNTER ANY PREEXISTING HELICOPTER MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:39 PST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson R-22 BETA
Tail NumberN2304P
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorVerticare Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2C · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 41 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 8 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO