On August 30, 1991, a Robinson R-22 BETA (registration N4022D) operated by State OF Florida was involved in an aviation accident near Lake City, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A VISUAL LOOKOUT DUE TO HIS DIVERTED ATTENTION TO OBSERVE AND ENTER THE LOCATION OF AN ILLEGAL MARIJUANA PATCH INTO THE ON BOARD LORAN UNIT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A law enforcement officer piloting a helicopter on an administrative flight struck an antenna guy wire and crashed. LORAN data showed recently entered coordinates leading to an illegal marijuana field. Colleagues stated the pilot routinely conducted search missions on administrative flights.
Accident Details
A law enforcement officer was piloting a helicopter during an administrative flight when the aircraft struck an antenna guy wire and crashed. The specific nature of the administrative mission and the type of helicopter were not disclosed in the investigation.
Post-Accident Investigation
Following the crash, investigators examined the onboard LORAN (Long Range Navigation) system. The LORAN unit contained recently entered coordinates in close proximity to the accident scene. Investigation of these coordinates led to the discovery of an illegal marijuana field. The source did not indicate whether the pilot had any involvement with the marijuana field.
Pilot's Operational Practices
Interviews with fellow workers revealed that the pilot routinely conducted search missions while on administrative flights. This pattern of behavior was noted by colleagues, but the investigation did not explicitly link this practice to the accident.
What happened in the 30 Aug 1991 Robinson R-22 BETA accident near Lake City, FL?
A law enforcement officer piloting a helicopter on an administrative flight struck an antenna guy wire and crashed. LORAN data showed recently entered coordinates leading to an illegal marijuana field. Colleagues stated the pilot routinely conducted search missions on administrative flights.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Aug 1991 involved a Robinson R-22 BETA, registration N4022D, operated by State OF Florida, at Lake City, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A VISUAL LOOKOUT DUE TO HIS DIVERTED ATTENTION TO OBSERVE AND ENTER THE LOCATION OF AN ILLEGAL MARIJUANA PATCH INTO THE ON BOARD LORAN UNIT.
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