# NTSB LAX93LA092: Robinson R-22 Beta, N2304P, Watsonville, CA, January 18, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 18, 1993, 12:39 local (20:39 UTC)
- Place: Watsonville, CA
- Coordinates: 36.950065, -121.720626 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.9501&lon=-121.7206&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 25, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27905
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA092
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27905/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA092

## Probable cause

PILOT'S POOR VISUAL LOOK-OUT.  A FACTOR RELATING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THAT THE PILOT DIVERTED HIS ATTENTION.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - wire,transmission
  - visual lookout - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT AND PASSENGER WERE SEARCHING FOR A MISSING PERSON IN A RIVER. THE PILOT DIVERTED HIS ATTENTION WHILE SEARCHING FOR THE PERSON AND FAILED TO SEE THE WIRES THAT CROSSED THE RIVER.  THE HELICOPTER PLUNGED TO THE GROUND AFTER COLLIDING WITH THE WIRES.  THE PILOT STATED THAT HE DID NOT ENCOUNTER ANY PREEXISTING HELICOPTER MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2304P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2304P-2013-06-06), registration cancelled 2013-06-06, S/N 1928, built 1991 (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)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1928
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Operator: Verticare Helicopters
- Registered owner: Verticare Helicopters
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: SNS, SALINAS, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 800 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 61 °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 19930118000539A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930118000539A), Jan 18, 1993: Robsin R22BETA, Watsonville, CA, Substantial damage. Flying low and following river struck wires and crashed. Was looking for a missing person beleived in river.

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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