Robinson R-22 BETA N40450
25 June 1991 · Wenatchee, Washington, United States · Minor injuries
Summary
On 25 June 1991 at about 03:00 local time, a Robinson R-22 BETA registered N40450, operated by Joel J. Kofmehl, was involved in an accident near Wenatchee, Washington, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.
The record
- Date
- at 03:00
- Classification
- Accident
- Location
- Wenatchee, Washington, United States
- Coordinates
- 47.4900, -120.1891
- Aircraft
- Robinson R-22 BETA
- Registration
- N40450
- Category
- Helicopter
- Engines
- 1
- Operator
- Joel J. Kofmehl
- Operating rule
- Part 91: General Aviation
- Purpose of flight
- Business
- Phase of flight
- Not recorded
- Aircraft damage
- Substantial
- Weather
- VMC
- Light
- Day
- NTSB number
- SEA91LA146
People
2 people had minor injuries.
| On board | Died | Serious | Minor | Uninjured |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Probable cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER ALTITUDE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS SUN GLARE.
Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.
Read the full NTSB narrative
A SKID TOUCHED THE RIVER SURFACE WHILE THE PILOT WAS MANEUVERING AT LOW ALTITUDE, CAUSING THE PILOT TO LOSE CONTROL AND THE AIRCRAFT TO SINK. THE PILOT WAS MANEUVERING AT LOW ALTITUDE WHEN HE TURNED INTO THE EVENING SUN AND WAS AFFECTED BY SUN GLARE.
Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.
Other Robinson R-22 accidents
| Date | Aircraft | Location | Operator | Outcome | Died |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Jun 1991 | Robinson R-22 | Faribault, Minnesota, United States | KM Helicopter Sevice | No injuries | - |
| 25 Jan 1991 | Robinson R-22 HP | Scottsdale, Arizona, United States | Arizona Wing & Rotor, Inc. | No injuries | - |
| 26 Sep 1991 | Robinson R-22 | Livermore, California, United States | Nice Air | No injuries | - |
| 24 Sep 1991 | Robinson R-22 | Point Judith, Rhode Island, United States | Coastline Helicopters | Fatal | 1 |
| 31 Mar 1991 | Robinson R-22 BETA | Seattle, Washington, United States | Classic Helicopter Corp. | Fatal | 1 |
| 2 Feb 1991 | Robinson R-22 ALPHA | Coram, New York, United States | American Helicopter Corp | No injuries | - |
Other accidents in this area
| Date | Aircraft | Location | Operator | Outcome | Died |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Mar 1991 | Bell BH-47G2A | Waitsburg, Washington, United States | Waitsburg Helicopter Service | No injuries | - |
| 6 Apr 1991 | Robinson R22 BETA | Kent, Washington, United States | Classic Helicopter | No injuries | - |
| 6 Apr 1991 | Grumman American AA-1C | Wenatchee, Washington, United States | James Q. Baxter | No injuries | - |
| 12 Apr 1991 | Aeronca 11AC | Port Orchard, Washington, United States | John D. Gracie | No injuries | - |
| 13 Apr 1991 | Cessna C-172N | Ellensburg, Washington, United States | Interwest Aviation | No injuries | - |
| 17 Apr 1991 | Grumman G-21A | Spokane, Washington, United States | Loel Fenwick | No injuries | - |