On August 8, 1999, a Schweizer 269C (registration N383T) was involved in an aviation accident near Westport, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain. Factors include low clouds and visibility and near-night light conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter was destroyed after colliding with trees and terrain at night. Visual conditions were reported en route, but isolated severe thunderstorms were in the area. A witness noted low ceiling and reduced visibility near the site.
Accident Details
The helicopter was destroyed after it collided with trees and terrain at night.
Weather Conditions
Visual meteorological conditions were reported en route; however, individuals in the area near the crash site reported isolated severe thunderstorms in the vicinity. One person living about 10 miles from the site noticed a ragged low ceiling, with approximately 200 to 500 feet visibility at the time it was becoming dark. He stated that he did not pay attention to the weather after dark, except to note that there were rain showers.
Witness Statement
The same individual mentioned that he had flown the anticipated route many times, and that the ridge where the helicopter impacted is the first high terrain coming east along that route.