# NTSB LAX91LA257: Schweizer 269B, N103AB, Cottonwood, CA, June 9, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 9, 1991, 07:34 local (14:34 UTC)
- Place: Cottonwood, CA
- Coordinates: 40.330989, -122.449874 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.3310&lon=-122.4499&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 21, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27243
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA257
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27243/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA257

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT.  THE TRANSMISSION WIRE WAS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - inattentive, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS HERDING CATTLE ON A RANCH WITH A HELICOPTER.  HE WAS OBSERVED TO LAND, GET OUT OF HELICOPTER AND EXAMINE THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE AIRCRAFT.  AFTER THE EXAMINATION HE REENTERED THE HELICOPTER AND TOOKOFF. THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH AN ELECTRICAL SERVICE WIRE DURING THE CLIMB.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N103AB](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N103AB-2013-05-13), registration cancelled 2013-05-13, S/N 125-0223, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER 269B
- Registry model: [Hughes 269B](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269b) (registry code 4470502) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming HO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ho-360-series) (registry code 41513, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 125-0223
- Airframe hours: 2635
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-AIA reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Operator: Mcauliffe, Joe Company
- Registered owner: Mcauliffe, Joe Company
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 5, 1990, 16 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,750 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Observed at: RDD, 7 nm away

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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