# NTSB LAX88DVA02: Bell UH-1B, N59368, Arvin, CA, March 14, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: March 14, 1988, 05:15 local (13:15 UTC)
- Place: Arvin, CA
- Location: 35.1944° N, 118.8306° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Arvin, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.1944&lon=-118.8306&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 9, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25741
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88DVA02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25741/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88DVA02

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - electrical system,generator - not engaged (contributing factor)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - not possible (cause)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N59368](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N59368-2013-04-25), registration cancelled 2013-04-25, S/N 448 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL UH-1B
- Registry model: [Bell UH-1B](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-uh-1b) (registry code 1181410) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 448
- Airframe hours: 8159
- Engines: LYCOMING T53-L-11D 900 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Registered owner: San Joaquin Helicopters, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, February 19, 1988, 907 hours before
- Departed: METTLER, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; flight engineer, airline transport, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane, helicopter; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 4,746 total, 916 in this make and model, 2,978 as pilot in command, 95 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 36 °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 19880314026319A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880314026319A), Mar 14, 1988: Bell UH1B, Arvin, CA, Destroyed. Hit powerlines on a precautionary landing. Fuel boost warning light on. Impacted ground. Generator switch was off.

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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