19990807012619A

Schweizer 269C helicopter was reported missing after it took off from oysterville, OR, on 8/8/99, an alnot was issued, but the alnot and search were cancelled as of 8/16/99, the pilot/sole occupant is assumed to have suffered fatal injuries, all other circumstances are unknown. (.19) on August 7, 1999, a Schweizer 269C helicopter, N383T, failed to arrive at its planned destination of kelso-longview airport, kelso, Washington. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, is assumed to have received fatal injuries, and the aircraft, which was owned and operated by the pilot, is assumed to have been destroyed. The 14 CFR part 91 personal pleasure flight, which was seen departing oysterville, Washington around 2030 pacific daylight time, was last seen at 2115 proceeding east about 150 feet above the columbia river. At that time it was approximately three miles east of tongue point, a peninsula that protrudes from the south shore of the river near astoria, Oregon. Although the weather was VFR both at the point of departure and the intended destination, isolated thunderstorms with strong winds and rain were reported about five miles east of the helicopters last known position. (.4) the helicopter was destroyed after it collided with trees and terrain at night. Visual meteorological conditions were reported en route, however, persons in the area near the crash site reported isolated severe thunderstorms in the vicinity. One person living about 10 miles from the site noticed a ragged low ceiling, with approximately 200 to 500 feet visibility at the time it was becoming dark. He said that he didn't pay attention to the weather after dark, except to note that there were rain showers. He mentioned that he had flown the anticipated route many times, and that the ridge where the helicopter impacted is the first high terrain coming east along that route.