# NTSB LAX85LA200: Bell 206B, N2925W, Lake Berryessa, CA, April 12, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 12, 1985, 13:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Lake Berryessa, CA
- Coordinates: 38.549896, -122.150588 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.5499&lon=-122.1506&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 4 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24691
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85LA200
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24691/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA200

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, cruise
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - autorotation - attempted, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS ON A LOW LEVEL, EAGLE SURVEY MISSION. WHILE CRUISING BETWEEN 20 & 30 MPH, THE PLT FLEW UP A CANYON & WAS CROSSING A RIDGE AT ABOUT 150 FT AGL WHEN HE SAW WIRES AHEAD. HE TOOK EVASIVE ACTION, BUT THE HELICOPTER STRUCK THE WIRES. THE TAIL ROTOR & GEAR BOX WERE TORN FROM THE HELICOPTER & IT BEGAN SPINNING. THE PLT TRIED TO LOWER THE COLLECTIVE & RETARD THE THROTTLE TO STOP THE SPIN, BUT HAD NO THROTTLE OR COLLECTIVE CONTROL. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE HELICOPTER CRASH LANDED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N2925W (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206B
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 206B
- Airframe hours: 14848
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20 317 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Horizon Helicopter, Inc.
- Registered owner: Dennis Webster
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: LAKE BERRYESSA, CA
- Flight plan: Company VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 8,800 total, 580 in this make and model, 8,600 as pilot in command, 190 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19850412014989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850412014989A), Apr 12, 1985: Bell 206B, Lake Berryessa, CA, Substantial damage. While crossing a ridge on a low level eagle survey, struck powerlines. Tail rotor sheared. Impacted mountainside.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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