Robinson R22B accident near Weimar, CA

On July 12, 1993, a Robinson R22B (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Weimar, CA. 2 people died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.

Date

July 12, 1993

Place

Weimar, CA

Aircraft

Robinson R22B · Helicopter

Injuries

2 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor

Damage

Destroyed

Position

39.039°N, 120.979°W

NTSB ID

20001211X12950

NTSB summary

HISTORY OF FLIGHT: On July 12, 1993, at 1359 Pacific daylight time, a Robinson R22B, N531JD, cruised into energized transmission lines located about 3 miles east of Weimar, California. One witness reported observing and hearing the helicopter seconds prior to the mishap, and no unusual engine sounds were noted. Another witness reported hearing the helicopter collide with the power line(s). The witness reported that the helicopter then rolled upside down and fell. The helicopter was destroyed and the commercial pilot, who possessed a flight instructor certificate, was fatally injured. The second pilot, who possessed a private pilot certificate (which had been issued on July 9, 1993) was also fatally injured. According to a relative of the private pilot, during the accident flight the private pilot had planned to receive dual flight instruction. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the mishap. The flight originated from Auburn, California, at an estimated time of 1300. Following the collision, a fire started on a hillside adjacent to the crash site. The fire burned an estimated 50 acres of native vegetation before it was extinguished. WRECKAGE, IMPACT AND POWERLINE INFORMATION: According to the Placer County Sheriff, the helicopter crashed into the north fork of the American River. The helicopter came to rest in shallow water a few yards from the river's east shoreline. The tail boom assembly was found about 15 feet from the main wreckage. About 1/2 dozen electrical burn arc marks were noted on the main rotor blades. The Federal Aviation Administrator's c

Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF BOTH PILOTS TO SEE AND AVOID THE CHARTED POWER LINE. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE FAILURE OF THE UTILITY COMPANIES TO ADEQUATELY REVIEW THE HAZARD POSED BY THE WIRES FOLLOWING A PREVIOUS COLLISION AT THE SAME LOCATION, AND PILOT'S COMPROMISED ABILITY TO DETECT THE WIRES DUE TO THEIR LACK OF CONSPICUITY.

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Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.