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NTSB Report
June 9, 1991 · Schweizer 269B · N103AB
Cottonwood, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 9, 1991
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Cottonwood, CA
Aircraft
Schweizer 269B
Tail Number
N103AB
Operator
Mcauliffe Joe
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX91LA257
THE PILOT WAS HERDING CATTLE ON A RANCH WITH A HELICOPTER. HE WAS OBSERVED TO LAND, GET OUT OF HELICOPTER AND EXAMINE THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE AIRCRAFT. AFTER THE EXAMINATION HE REENTERED THE HELICOPTER AND TOOKOFF. THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH AN ELECTRICAL SERVICE WIRE DURING THE CLIMB.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT. THE TRANSMISSION WIRE WAS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT WAS HERDING CATTLE ON A RANCH WITH A HELICOPTER. HE WAS OBSERVED TO LAND, GET OUT OF HELICOPTER AND EXAMINE THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE AIRCRAFT. AFTER THE EXAMINATION HE REENTERED THE HELICOPTER AND TOOKOFF. THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH AN ELECTRICAL SERVICE WIRE DURING THE CLIMB.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:34 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftSchweizer 269B
Tail NumberN103AB
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorMcauliffe Joe
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360-AIA · Reciprocating
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time15:15
Weather SourceWFAC