Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary SEA89LA144

BRINNON, WA, USA

Aircraft #1

N933CB

ROBINSON R22

Analysis

DURING A PLEASURE FLIGHT, THE PILOT FELT A LOW FREQUENCY VIBRATION AND OPTED TO INITIATE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING. DUE TO UNSUITABLE TERRAIN, THE PILOT CONTINUED THE FLIGHT OVER GLASSY WATER TO LAND ON A BEACH AREA. THE PILOT MISJUDGED THE DISTANCE ABOVE THE WATER RESULTING IN THE LEFT SKID CONTACTING THE WATER FIRST. THE PILOT STATED THAT THE ENGINE STALLED AND STOPPED AND THE HELICOPTER SETTLED SOFTLY IN THE WATER AND SANK. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THERE WERE NO MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE HELICOPTER AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.

Probable Cause and Findings

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE IN-FLIGHT PLANNING. THE HELICOPTER SKID CONTACTED THE WATER AS A RESULT OF THE PILOT'S MISJUDGEMENT OF CLEARANCE ABOVE THE WATER.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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