On April 22, 1994, a Continental Copters TOMCAT MK5A (registration N9061T) operated by Stephen R. Streeter was involved in an aviation accident near Brawley, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE, WHILE MANEUVERING TO LAND AFTER COMPLETING AERIAL APPLICATION. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DARKNESS AND THE LACK OF VISUAL CUES FOR THE PILOT TO DETECT THE OBSTRUCTION (POWER LINE). 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 helicopter used for night aerial application collided with a power line while maneuvering for landing, then crashed. No preimpact mechanical discrepancies were found.
Incident Details
A helicopter engaged in night aerial application operations was involved in an accident after colliding with a power line. According to two company loaders, the pilot had completed the application and was maneuvering to make an approach into the southwesterly wind for a landing at the truck.
Sequence of Events
While maneuvering approximately half a mile from the truck, the helicopter struck a power line and subsequently crashed. The average height of the power line was about 25 feet above ground.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the wreckage found no evidence of a preimpact mechanical discrepancy. The investigation did not identify any mechanical issues that contributed to the collision.
What happened in the 22 Apr 1994 Continental Copters TOMCAT MK5A accident near Brawley, CA?
A helicopter used for night aerial application collided with a power line while maneuvering for landing, then crashed. No preimpact mechanical discrepancies were found.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Apr 1994 involved a Continental Copters TOMCAT MK5A, registration N9061T, operated by Stephen R. Streeter, at Brawley, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE, WHILE MANEUVERING TO LAND AFTER COMPLETING AERIAL APPLICATION. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DARKNESS AND THE LACK OF VISUAL CUES FOR THE PILOT TO DETECT THE OBSTRUCTION (POWER LINE).
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