Robinson R22 Beta accident near Dolan Springs, AZ
On December 23, 2002, a Robinson R22 Beta (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Dolan Springs, AZ. 2 people died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- December 23, 2002
- Place
- Dolan Springs, AZ
- Aircraft
- Robinson R22 Beta · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 2 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 35.500°N, 114.500°W
- NTSB ID
- 20030103X00010
Official records · LAX03FA054
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On December 23, 2002, at 1137 mountain standard time, a Robinson R22 Beta, N888KB, collided with power transmission lines and impacted desert terrain near Dolan Springs, Arizona. The pilot/owner was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot and one passenger sustained fatal injuries; the helicopter was destroyed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed. The personal cross-country flight originated from McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas, Nevada, at an unknown time. In an interview with a first-responding Sheriff's Deputy, a witness reported that he was in his automobile traveling southbound on the highway I-93. About 30 miles from Kingman, Arizona, a helicopter passed over the car in a southerly direction and he noted that it appeared to be cruising at a low altitude. When the helicopter was about ¼ mile in front of him, he saw the helicopter skids catch the power lines that ran across the highway. The helicopter impacted terrain and came to rest on the side of the road. Several other witnesses stated that they observed the helicopter flying over the highway at a very low altitude. The helicopter's skids impacted power lines running perpendicular to the highway. One witness recalled that after making contact with the power lines the helicopter plummeted toward terrain and rolled. PERSONNEL INFORMATION The pilot's logbooks were not located. Review of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airman Certification records disclosed that the pilot held a private pilot cert
Probable cause
the pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain clearance from power lines. A factor was the pilot's decision to conduct cruise flight at a low altitude.
More accidents in AZ
- De Havilland DHC-6-300, Sep 27, 1989
- Cessna 402C, Jun 19, 1992
- Piper PA-31-350, Aug 17, 1983
- Piper PA-31-350, Feb 13, 1995
- Cessna 421C, Sep 2, 1995
Browse: Arizona · 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.
