Robinson R-22 MARINER accident near Mekoryuk, AK
On June 4, 1996, a Robinson R-22 MARINER (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Mekoryuk, AK. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- June 4, 1996
- Place
- Mekoryuk, AK
- Aircraft
- Robinson R-22 MARINER · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 60.371°N, 166.271°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001208X05886
NTSB summary
History of the Flight On June 3, 1996, about 1600 Alaska daylight time, a float equipped Robinson R-22 Mariner helicopter, N113CF, crashed on the surface of a small lake about 32 miles southeast of Mekoryuk, Alaska, located on Nunivak Island. The helicopter was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area business flight under Title 14 CFR Part 91 when the accident occurred. The helicopter, registered to and operated by Bearing Sea Reindeer Products, was destroyed. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, received fatal injuries. The flight originated at Mekoryuk about 1500. A company representative reported that the pilot departed for Cape Corwin located on the southeast corner of the island to pick up a company worker. The helicopter did not arrive and did not return to Mekoryuk. The flight was reported overdue at 2313. Search airplanes located the wreckage on June 4, 1996, about 1300, along the south edge of a small lake, about 1/2 mile north of the coastline. The accident occurred during the hours of daylight at latitude 59 degrees, 54.170 minutes north and longitude 165 degrees, 43.614 minutes west. Crew Information The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with airplane single engine land, airplane multi-engine land, instrument airplane, and rotorcraft helicopter ratings. The most recent second-class medical certificate was issued to the pilot on May 9, 1996, and contained the limitation that the pilot must wear corrective lenses. According to the pilot's logbook and aircraft logs, his total aeronautical experience consisted of about 1,411
Probable cause
A loss of engine power due to fuel contamination found in the fuel supply and helicopter fuel system. Factors in the accident were the pilot's inadequate filtration (servicing of the helicopter) of the fuel supply, and the pilot's inadequate performance of emergency procedures.
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Browse: Alaska · Robinson aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
