# NTSB LAX88LA304: Bell 206L-1, N74WH, Barrett Junct., CA, August 31, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 31, 1988, 09:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Barrett Junct., CA
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 4 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 21, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26095
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88LA304
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26095/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88LA304

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, descent - normal
  - object - wire,static (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WHILE DESCENDING INTO A CANYON, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK POWERLINES, WENT INTO AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN.  THE PILOT STATED THAT HE COULD NOT SEE THE POWERLINES AND THAT HIS VISIBILITY WAS RESTRICTED BY THE SUN.  ALL FOUR PASSENGERS INDICATED THAT THEY DID NOT SEE THE POWERLINES PRIOR TO THE COLLISION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N74WH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N74WH-2013-08-21), registration cancelled 2013-08-21, S/N 45379, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206L-1
- Registry model: [Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-helicopter-textron-206l-1) (registry code 1182107) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Allison 250 SER 250HP](https://openairdocs.org/engine/allison-250-ser-250hp) (registry code 03002, turbo-shaft) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 45379
- Airframe hours: 4749
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C28B 435 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Registered owner: Western Helicopter
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 24, 1988
- Departed: SEE, GILLESPIE, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 5,343 total, 650 in this make and model, 4,893 as pilot in command, 113 in the last 90 days, 62 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SDM, 15 nm away

## 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 19880831036309A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880831036309A), Aug 31, 1988: Bell 206L1, Barrett Junc, CA, Destroyed. Descended into a canyon to survey a gas line route. Hit powerline pilot failed to see. Pilot endangered passengers

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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