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Rotor Blades Strike Vertical Stabilizer During Movie Operation Aerial Photography (N250CA)

California City, CA, US

On August 22, 1990, a Bell 206B (registration N250CA) operated by Cinema Air Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near California City, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE HELICOPTER PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE FROM THE JUMP AIRCRAT. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE INABILITY OF THE JUMP AIRCRAFT PILOT TO MAINTAIN VISUAL CONTACT WITH THE HELICOPTER. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter and a DHC-6 aircraft involved in a movie operation collided when the helicopter's rotor blades struck the DHC-6's vertical stabilizer and rudder while maneuvering for camera position.

Aircraft and Operation

Two aircraft were engaged in a movie operation. A helicopter, registration N250CA, was carrying a cameraman. A de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration N203E, carried parachutists. The purpose of the operation was to photograph the parachutists as they exited the jump aircraft.

Collision Sequence

According to the pilot of helicopter N250CA, he was in formation with the DHC-6 and was maneuvering into camera position when the helicopter's rotor blades contacted the vertical stabilizer and rudder of N203E.

Observational Factors

The pilot of the DHC-6 was not in a position to have visual contact with the helicopter at the time of the contact.

Midair collision

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Aug 1990 Bell 206B accident near California City, CA?

A helicopter and a DHC-6 aircraft involved in a movie operation collided when the helicopter's rotor blades struck the DHC-6's vertical stabilizer and rudder while maneuvering for camera position.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Aug 1990 involved a Bell 206B, registration N250CA, operated by Cinema Air Inc., at California City, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FAILURE OF THE HELICOPTER PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE FROM THE JUMP AIRCRAT. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE INABILITY OF THE JUMP AIRCRAFT PILOT TO MAINTAIN VISUAL CONTACT WITH THE HELICOPTER.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24061. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.