Robinson Helicopter Co R66 accident near Colusa, CA

On August 1, 2021, a Robinson Helicopter Co R66 (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Colusa, CA. 4 people died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.

Date

August 1, 2021

Place

Colusa, CA

Aircraft

Robinson Helicopter Co R66 · Helicopter

Injuries

4 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor

Damage

Destroyed

Position

39.297°N, 122.039°W

NTSB ID

20210801103602

Official records · WPR21FA300

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

NTSB summary

HISTORY OF FLIGHTOn August 1, 2021, about 1251 Pacific daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter Company R66, N7000J, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Colusa, California. The pilot and three passengers were fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Recorded automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) showed that, about 1207, the helicopter departed Willows, California, and flew toward the foothills that bordered the western edge of the valley. The ADS-B data also showed that the helicopter turned south while over Elk Creek, California, and overflew Lodoga and Stonyford, California, before turning to the east. The helicopter continued an easterly heading for about 12 minutes and then turned to a southeasterly heading. The helicopter remained on a southeasterly heading for about 2 minutes and then initiated a left turn to an easterly heading when the helicopter was about 0.7 miles west of the accident site, as shown in figure 1. The last recorded data point showed that the helicopter was about 392 ft west of the accident site. The ADS-B data contained no altitude data for the entire flight. Figure 1. ADS-B flight track for the accident flight. A witness, who was driving south on a highway about 0.5 miles east of the accident site, reported that he noticed a helicopter flying on an easterly heading about 50 to 100 ft above ground level. The witness stated that the helicopter was initially straight and level but the

Probable cause

The pilot’s abrupt flight control input that led to mast bumping and a subsequent in-flight breakup.

More accidents in CA

• Douglas MD-83, Feb 1, 2000
• Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9-32, Aug 31, 1986
• British Aerospace BAE-146-200, Dec 8, 1987
• Beech C-99, Aug 24, 1984
• Sikorsky S-61N, Aug 6, 2008

Browse: California · Robinson aircraft

See it on the map

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