Casualties unknown

1990-06-02: Cessna 152 II (N49796) — Rialto, CA

Rialto, CA, US

On June 2, 1990, a Cessna 152 II (registration N49796) was involved in an aviation accident near Rialto, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PILOT'S INADEQUATE VISUAL OUTLOOK WHICH RESULTED IN AN INFLIGHT ENCOUNTER WITH WAKE TURBULENCE PRODUCED BY A HOVERING HELICOPTER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 152II lost control and hit terrain during takeoff after encountering wake vortices from a hovering Bell 412 helicopter, according to witnesses and the pilot's statement.

Accident Details

A Cessna 152II aircraft lost control and collided with terrain during the takeoff phase. According to witnesses, the airplane encountered wake vortices from a hovering Bell 412 helicopter immediately before the loss of control. The pilot in command stated in a crewmember statement that he was on the initial takeoff climb when he observed the helicopter hovering parallel to the taxiway. Subsequently, the airplane encountered the helicopter's rotorwash. The pilot did not indicate in his statement that he took any evasive action after seeing the helicopter.

Witness and Pilot Accounts

Witnesses reported that the airplane's loss of control occurred shortly after it encountered the wake vortices of the Bell 412. The pilot's account corroborates this sequence, noting the helicopter's position and the subsequent encounter with rotorwash. The absence of evasive action is noted in the pilot's statement.

Aircraft and Helicopter Information

The accident involved a Cessna 152II, a single-engine aircraft, and a Bell 412 helicopter. The specific registration, operator, and location were not provided in the source. No information regarding injuries, fatalities, or damage is available from the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23449. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.