The helicopter was destroyed when it impacted an Interstate highway at about 2255 Pacific time. The private pilot and sole occupant was killed. Visual conditions prevailed. A witness reported the helicopter was flying unusually low, not much higher than a typical freeway overpass. He observed a bright spark near the helicopter, which then dove toward the freeway, impacting the pavement directly in front of him. Power lines were located adjacent to the wreckage with two major support structures on either side of the interstate. The highest wires were two static lines on the same horizontal plane. A city worker reported the static wires measured about 120 feet in height and the southernmost wire contained a 6-to-8-inch abrasion.
January 25, 2008, Los Angeles, Calif., Robinson R22
The helicopter was destroyed when it impacted an Interstate highway at about 2255 Pacific time. The private pilot and sole occupant was killed. Visual conditions prevailed. A witness reported the helicopter was flying unusually low, not much higher than a typical freeway overpass. He observed a bright spark near the helicopter, which then dove toward the freeway, impacting the pavement directly in front of him.
Key Takeaways:
- A helicopter crashed on an Interstate highway at night, killing the private pilot and sole occupant, despite visual flight conditions.
- A witness reported the helicopter flying unusually low, seeing a bright spark near it, and then observing it dive and impact the freeway.
- Investigation revealed power lines approximately 120 feet high adjacent to the wreckage, with a 6-to-8-inch abrasion found on one of the static wires.
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