Summary
On February 22, 2002, a Young Mini-500 (N500JY) was involved in an accident near Paso Robles, CA. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's inadequate visual lookout and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance.
On February 22, 2002, about 1335 Pacific standard time, a Young Mini-500, N500JY, collided with power lines during the initial climb from a clearing about 4 miles southeast of Paso Robles, California. The airline transport certificated pilot/owner operated the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The helicopter was substantially damaged, and the pilot received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The local area personal flight was originating at the time.
The pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that, at the time of the accident, the visibility was 5 miles and the surface wind was light. The pilot intended to reposition his helicopter from an open field onto a nearby trailer.
This accident is documented in NTSB report LAX02LA090. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N500JY.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's inadequate visual lookout and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On February 22, 2002, about 1335 Pacific standard time, a Young Mini-500, N500JY, collided with power lines during the initial climb from a clearing about 4 miles southeast of Paso Robles, California. The airline transport certificated pilot/owner operated the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The helicopter was substantially damaged, and the pilot received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The local area personal flight was originating at the time.
The pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that, at the time of the accident, the visibility was 5 miles and the surface wind was light. The pilot intended to reposition his helicopter from an open field onto a nearby trailer. Seconds after taking off, the helicopter's tail rotor contacted a power line that he had not observed. Thereafter, he lost control of the helicopter and it impacted the ground and rolled over. No non-impact related mechanical malfunctions or failures were experienced during the flight.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX02LA090