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NTSB Report
March 7, 1992 · Robinson R-22 BETA · N2645W
Oxbow, OR
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 7, 1992
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Oxbow, OR
Aircraft
Robinson R-22 BETA
Tail Number
N2645W
Operator
Helicolor
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
SEA92LA055
THE ROBINSON R22 BETA WAS ON THE 3RD LEG OF A CROSS COUNTRY FERRY FLIGHT FROM OREGON TO THE EAST COAST. THE MULTI RATED, HIGH TIME PILOT HAD DEPARTED LEWISTON, IDAHO, AND PROCEEDED TO FLY DOWN THE SNAKE RIVER CANYON EN ROUTE TO BOISE, IDAHO. WHILE CRUISING SOUTHBOUND DOWN THE RIVER GORGE, THE HELICOPTER'S TAILROTOR COLLIDED WITH A CABLE SPANNING THE RIVER AT AN ELEVATION OF 50 TO 60 FEET ABOVE THE WATER. THE ROTORCRAFT WAS THEN OBSERVED TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL, IMPACT THE RIVER AND SINK.
NTSB Probable Cause
FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN A PROPER VISUAL LOOKOUT. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S POOR JUDGEMENT IN OPERATING AT LOW ALTITUDE ALONG THE RIVER.
Full Narrative
THE ROBINSON R22 BETA WAS ON THE 3RD LEG OF A CROSS COUNTRY FERRY FLIGHT FROM OREGON TO THE EAST COAST. THE MULTI RATED, HIGH TIME PILOT HAD DEPARTED LEWISTON, IDAHO, AND PROCEEDED TO FLY DOWN THE SNAKE RIVER CANYON EN ROUTE TO BOISE, IDAHO. WHILE CRUISING SOUTHBOUND DOWN THE RIVER GORGE, THE HELICOPTER'S TAILROTOR COLLIDED WITH A CABLE SPANNING THE RIVER AT AN ELEVATION OF 50 TO 60 FEET ABOVE THE WATER. THE ROTORCRAFT WAS THEN OBSERVED TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL, IMPACT THE RIVER AND SINK.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:15 MST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson R-22 BETA
Tail NumberN2645W
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorHelicolor
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2C · Reciprocating · 131
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 5 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT