What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-09-20 involved a Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA, registration N957SH, at Baker, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions that resulted in a collision with mountainous terrain. Contributing to the accident was the obscuration of mountainous terrain by rain and low clouds, moderate turbulence, and the pilot's self-induced pressure to be at his destination by 1600.

Helicopter Collides with Terrain in Box Canyon during GPS Direct Route (N957SH)

On September 20, 2005, a Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA (registration N957SH) was involved in an aviation accident near Baker, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions that resulted in a collision with mountainous terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A pilot delivering a new helicopter deviated from the planned route to fly a GPS direct course, encountered restricted visibility and turbulence, and collided with rising terrain in a box canyon while attempting to reverse course.

Flight Details

The accident occurred during a delivery flight of a new helicopter. The pilot was one of 12 pilots delivering new helicopters to various destinations. All deliveries required a departure along the same easterly route, through a mountain pass, and then over high desert terrain including another line of mountains. The planned route followed a major highway and would take about 2.6 hours. Prior to departure, the accident pilot was observed to be anxious and stated that he had to reach his destination by 1600. After weather delays at the departure airport, he took off at 1425 as the last helicopter of a group of four, spaced about 15 minutes apart.

Weather Conditions

While en route, other pilots in the group observed rain and lightning to the northeast of their track once east of the mountain pass. They elected to follow the major highway and remain clear of the observed weather. Analysis of meteorological data indicated that weather conditions in the area to the northeast of the planned flight track, including the accident site, consisted of light to moderate rain, clouds obscuring higher terrain, restricted visibilities, and possible light to moderate turbulence.

Accident Sequence

Once through the mountain pass, the accident pilot radioed a passing airplane that he was heading to the northeast, consistent with a straight-line course to his destination. The helicopter was equipped with a GPS navigation system capable of guiding the pilot on a straight-line course, which could save about 17 minutes of flying time. Based on the evidence, the pilot followed the GPS direct course and encountered restricted visibility, rain, and moderate turbulence. He unintentionally flew into a box canyon and collided with rising terrain while attempting to reverse course out of the canyon.

Aircraft Examination

Detailed examination of the helicopter and engine revealed no preimpact discrepancies that would have precluded normal operation of the aircraft.

2005-09-20: Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA (N957SH) — Baker, CA