# NTSB LAX94LA187: Bell 206A, N4712R, Pacific Ocean (Pacific Ocean), March 1, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 1, 1994, 08:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Pacific Ocean (Pacific Ocean)
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report November 14, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28716
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX94LA187
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28716/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA187

## Probable cause

undetermined.

## Sequence of events

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

- Undetermined, cruise
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)

## Analysis

According to a report from the operator, the helicopter had completed the assigned fish spotting mission and was returning to the ship when it disappeared from the ship's radar, about 3 miles short of the vessel. There were no known distress calls prior to the disappearance. A search of the area around the last known position of the helicopter revealed parts of an emergency float system known to have been installed on the helicopter, and the bodies of the pilot and spotter.  No trace of additional aircraft components were found. The pilot was a Panamanian citizen who reportedly held a pilot certificate issued by the Republic of Panama. The fish spotter was a Mexican national who has not been identified.

## Factual narrative

On March 1, 1994, about 0830 hours Pacific standard time, a Bell 206A helicopter, N4712R, disappeared at sea under unknown circumstances in international waters at north latitude 17 degrees 56 minutes by west longitude 109 degrees 46 minutes.  The helicopter, operated by L & M Offshore Corporation of Paitilla, Republic of Panama, was engaged in fish spotting operations from the Mexico registered tuna vessel, "El Quijote."  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and a flight plan was filed with the ship.  The helicopter is presumed to have been destroyed in the accident sequence.  Both the pilot and the spotter on board the helicopter sustained fatal injuries.  The flight originated from the ship on the day of the mishap at about 0730 hours as a local fish spotting mission.

According to a report from the operator, the helicopter had completed the assigned spotting mission and was returning to the ship when it disappeared from the ship's radar about 3 miles short of the vessel.  There were no known distress calls prior to the disappearance.  A search of the area around the last known position of the helicopter revealed parts of an emergency float system known to have been installed on the helicopter, and the bodies of the pilot and spotter.  No trace of additional aircraft components were found.

The pilot was a Panamanian citizen who reportedly held a pilot certificate issued by the Republic of Panama.  The fish spotter was a Mexican national who has not been identified.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4712R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4712R-2003-03-18), registration cancelled 2003-03-18, S/N 240 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206A
- Registry model: [Bell 206A](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-206a) (registry code 1181508) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 240
- Airframe hours: 10717
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20 400 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial observation, Part 91
- Operator: L & M Offshore Corporation
- Registered owner: Xanadu Brands
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: NONE, SHIP EL QUIJOTE
- Flight plan: Company VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private, commercial, foreign; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 6,000 total, 600 in this make and model, 200 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

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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