Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA accident near Morristown, AZ
On June 11, 2009, a Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Morristown, AZ. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- June 11, 2009
- Place
- Morristown, AZ
- Aircraft
- Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 34.019°N, 112.344°W
- NTSB ID
- 20090611X91250
Official records · WPR09FA284
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On June 11, 2009, about 1000 mountain standard time, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, N149SH, collided with a power line during low altitude flight and descended uncontrolled to ground impact near Morristown, Arizona. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was killed. The helicopter, which was registered to a private individual and operated by the pilot as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 flight, sustained substantial damage. The purpose of the local flight was to herd cattle for a ranch owner. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The ranch owner stated that the pilot had worked for him before and was familiar with the area. He said that the day before the accident, the pilot made three flights between 0900 and 1700. The pilot then had dinner with the ranch owner and spent the night at his home. In the morning, the pilot refueled and inspected the helicopter before departing on the accident flight at approximately 0730. The ranch owner did not see or hear the accident. A witness reported that the helicopter was rounding up stray cattle less than 1/4 mile from his residence. He had been listening to the helicopter for a while, and its engine sounded normal. He heard a "loud boom," and the power went out at his house. There was a hill between the house and the accident site, so he could not see the helicopter. He drove to the accident site and found the downed helicopter. Another witness reported that she heard the helicopter working in the area and then suddenly heard a “loud bang, like a shotgun going off.” The
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power line.
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.
