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NTSB Report
June 16, 1985 · Robinson R22 · N8360J
Manhattan Beach, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 16, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Manhattan Beach, CA
Aircraft
Robinson R22
Tail Number
N8360J
Operator
Rafael Novo
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX85FA280
THE HELICOPTER WAS TO FLY IN FORMATION WITH A BANNER TOWED BY AN ACFT 'TO ATTRACT ATTENTION.' NUMEROUS WITNESSES ALONG A 20-MILE STRETCH OF BEACH SAW THE HELICOPTER 'FLYING ERRATICALLY' & 'BUZZING THE BEACH' JUST PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. WITNESSES SAW THE HELICOPTER PULL UP TO A NEAR HOVER AT 70 FT AGL, PIVOT 270 DEGREES TO FACE THE BEACH THEN DESCEND STRAIGHT DOWN INTO THE WATER. LIFEGUARDS REPORTED THAT THE ONSHORE WINDS WERE 20 TO 25 KNOTS FROM THE REAR OF THE HELICOPTER AT THE TIME.
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER WAS TO FLY IN FORMATION WITH A BANNER TOWED BY AN ACFT 'TO ATTRACT ATTENTION.' NUMEROUS WITNESSES ALONG A 20-MILE STRETCH OF BEACH SAW THE HELICOPTER 'FLYING ERRATICALLY' & 'BUZZING THE BEACH' JUST PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. WITNESSES SAW THE HELICOPTER PULL UP TO A NEAR HOVER AT 70 FT AGL, PIVOT 270 DEGREES TO FACE THE BEACH THEN DESCEND STRAIGHT DOWN INTO THE WATER. LIFEGUARDS REPORTED THAT THE ONSHORE WINDS WERE 20 TO 25 KNOTS FROM THE REAR OF THE HELICOPTER AT THE TIME.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:12 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson R22
Tail NumberN8360J
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRafael Novo
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2C · Reciprocating · 124
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 38 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 7 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:52
Weather SourceWFAC