Robinson R-22 BETA N2645W

Summary

On 7 March 1992 at about 00:15 local time, a Robinson R-22 BETA registered N2645W, operated by Helicolor, Inc., was involved in an accident near Oxbow, Oregon, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

7 March 1992 at 00:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Oxbow, Oregon, United States

Coordinates

44.9899, -116.8705

Aircraft

Robinson R-22 BETA

Registration

N2645W

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Helicolor, Inc.

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Ferry

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Lewiston → Boise

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

SEA92LA055

1 person died.

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN A PROPER VISUAL LOOKOUT. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S POOR JUDGEMENT IN OPERATING AT LOW ALTITUDE ALONG THE RIVER.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

THE ROBINSON R22 BETA WAS ON THE 3RD LEG OF A CROSS COUNTRY FERRY FLIGHT FROM OREGON TO THE EAST COAST. THE MULTI RATED, HIGH TIME PILOT HAD DEPARTED LEWISTON, IDAHO, AND PROCEEDED TO FLY DOWN THE SNAKE RIVER CANYON EN ROUTE TO BOISE, IDAHO. WHILE CRUISING SOUTHBOUND DOWN THE RIVER GORGE, THE HELICOPTER'S TAILROTOR COLLIDED WITH A CABLE SPANNING THE RIVER AT AN ELEVATION OF 50 TO 60 FEET ABOVE THE WATER. THE ROTORCRAFT WAS THEN OBSERVED TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL, IMPACT THE RIVER AND SINK.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.