Robinson R22 Beta accident near Mammoth Lakes, CA

On May 22, 2002, a Robinson R22 Beta (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Mammoth Lakes, CA. 2 people died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.

Date

May 22, 2002

Place

Mammoth Lakes, CA

Aircraft

Robinson R22 Beta · Helicopter

Injuries

2 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor

Damage

Destroyed

Position

37.616°N, 119.001°W

NTSB ID

20020531X00796

Official records · LAX02FA173

• Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation

NTSB summary

HISTORY OF FLIGHT On May 22, 2002, at 1506 pacific daylight time, a Robinson R22 Beta single-engine helicopter, N7194J, was destroyed when it impacted trees and rising mountainous terrain during climb to cruise near Mammoth Lakes, California. The private pilot and his certified flight instructor (CFI) sustained fatal injuries. The helicopter was registered to and operated by the private pilot and another private individual. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The cross-country flight departed the Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH), Mammoth Lakes, approximately 1500, and was destined for the San Luis County Regional Airport (SBP), near San Luis Obispo, California. During a telephone interview conducted by the NTSB investigator-in-charge (IIC), an employee of the pilot reported the pilot and his passenger departed SBP approximately 0930, on the morning of the accident and flew to Mammoth Lakes on a pleasure flight. Employees of Hot Creek Aviation, a MMH fixed base operator (FBO), reported the helicopter arrived at MMH approximately 1350. The pilot and his passenger had lunch at the FBO, stated this was their first time flying into MMH, and requested the helicopter's fuel tanks be topped off with fuel. Line personnel fueled the helicopter with 20.0 gallons of 100LL aviation grade fuel. At 1445, the line personnel observed the private pilot enter the right side, and the passenger enter the left side of the helicopter. The witnesses reported the helicopter's engine start was "norm

Probable cause

The pilot's poor decision to continue the flight into the rising mountainous terrain, and subsequent failure to maintain clearance with the trees. Contributing factors were rising mountainous terrain, the high density altitude, and the exceeded weight and balance and performance capability of the helicopter.

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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.