What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-03-22 involved a Schweizer 269C, registration N155T, at Ontario, CA.

Helicopter Collides with Mountainous Terrain after Pilot Descends Through Overcast (N155T)

On March 22, 1996, a Schweizer 269C (registration N155T) was involved in an aviation accident near Ontario, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to attempt a VFR descent into instrument meteorological conditions resulting in spatial disorientation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A non-instrument-rated private pilot contacted ATC while in VFR conditions above an overcast layer near mountains. After maintaining VFR instructions, he descended and impacted terrain at 4,600 ft msl. Weather included broken and overcast layers.

Accident Sequence

A non-instrument-rated private pilot contacted air traffic control while operating a helicopter in visual flight rules (VFR) conditions on top of an overcast cloud layer and in proximity of mountains. The pilot acknowledged instructions to maintain VFR, then informed the controller that he was descending to his destination. Subsequently, the helicopter impacted mountainous terrain at an elevation of 4,600 feet above mean sea level (msl).

Weather Conditions

Weather at the nearest reporting point, located 8 miles south of the accident site, consisted of a broken cloud layer at 2,900 feet msl and an overcast cloud layer at 4,900 feet msl.

Pilot Background

The pilot held a private pilot certificate but was not instrument rated. A person who refueled the helicopter at the departure point reported that the pilot appeared anxious to get to his destination.

Investigation

The accident investigation did not determine a probable cause. The sequence of events and circumstances surrounding the accident are based on available facts.

1996-03-22: Schweizer 269C (N155T) — Ontario, CA