On September 9, 1987, a Bell 206B (registration N1082S) operated by Commodore Helicopters, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Vallejo, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to detect and avoid the elevated static line, and PG&E failed to provide the pilot with advance notice of the hazardous and somewhat unique line configuration. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A helicopter crashed after hitting an unmarked static wire while inspecting PG&E transmission lines. The pilot failed to see the wire, and PG&E did not warn of the unusual configuration.
Incident Overview
A helicopter conducting a routine aerial observation flight for Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) to inspect transmission line integrity crashed after colliding with an unmarked static wire. The line installation was situated on sloping terrain and consisted of three towers. The severed static line was supported by towers at higher elevations.
Contributing Factors
The pilot failed to detect and avoid the elevated static line. Additionally, PG&E did not provide the pilot with advance notice of the hazardous and somewhat unique line configuration.
Aftermath
The accident resulted in damage to the helicopter. No further details about injuries or fatalities were provided in the investigation source.
Probable cause
The pilot failed to detect and avoid the elevated static line, and PG&E failed to provide the pilot with advance notice of the hazardous and somewhat unique line configuration.
What happened in the 9 Sept 1987 Bell 206B accident near Vallejo, CA?
A helicopter crashed after hitting an unmarked static wire while inspecting PG&E transmission lines. The pilot failed to see the wire, and PG&E did not warn of the unusual configuration.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Sept 1987 involved a Bell 206B, registration N1082S, operated by Commodore Helicopters, Inc., at Vallejo, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot failed to detect and avoid the elevated static line, and PG&E failed to provide the pilot with advance notice of the hazardous and somewhat unique line configuration.
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