# NTSB LAX92LA384: Robinson R-22 Beta, N649MB, Colfax, CA, September 13, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 13, 1992, 16:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Colfax, CA
- Coordinates: 39.090435, -120.919692 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0904&lon=-120.9197&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report August 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27762
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX92LA384
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27762/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA384

## Probable cause

THE PILOT POOR IN-FLIGHT DECISION TO FLY AT A LOW ALTITUDE AND HIS INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOK-OUT.  THE CABLE (STATIC WIRE) CONTRIBUTED TO THIS ACCIDENT.

## 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,static (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water

## Analysis

THE CERTIFICATED COMMERCIAL PILOT AND PASSENGER WERE FLYING ABOUT 150 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND IN A CANYON.  THE PILOT FAILED TO SEE AND AVOID A STEEL CABLE TRAVERSING THE HELICOPTER'S FLIGHT PATH.  THE HELICOPTER STRUCK THE CABLE AND CRASHED INTO A RIVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N649MB](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N649MB-1994-10-05), registration cancelled 1994-10-05, S/N 0649 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R-22 BETA
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-beta) (registry code 7640110) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0649
- Airframe hours: 4128
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Sacramento Exec Helicopters
- Registered owner: Sacramento Exec Helicopters
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 5, 1991, 14 hours before
- Departed: AUN, AUBURN, CA
- Destination: Q61, GEORGETOWN, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; flight instructor, commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 492 total, 484 in this make and model, 452 as pilot in command, 248 in the last 90 days, 71 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °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 19920913036639A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920913036639A), Sep 13, 1992: Robsin R22BETA, Colfax, CA, Substantial damage. Flying 150FT off canyon floor, struck a cable and crashed into river.

## Other investigations on N649MB (1)

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.

- [NTSB LAX90LA199](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA199), May 29, 1990: Robinson R-22B (N649MB), Sacramento, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURER'S CHECKLIST BY NEGLECTING TO APPLY FULL CARBURETOR HEAT AT LOW POWER SETTINGS.

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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