More detail on this person: NTSB REPORT:
On July 24, 1994, approximately 1030 Pacific
daylight time, a Hughes 369HS helicopter, N7771F,
collided with terrain while conducting a
sightseeing flight at Ecola State Park, near
Seaside, Oregon. The commercial pilot and his
passenger were fatally injured in the crash.
Visual meteorological conditions were reported in
the Seaside vicinity at the time of the crash.
There was no ELT reported, and there was no flight
plan for the flight.
A hiker heard the impact of the helicopter, and
turned to see what he believed to be parts of the
helicopter falling from the cliffs along the
Pacific Ocean shoreline, then ran to a telephone
to notify authorities. Search and rescue personnel
found an oil slick off Bird Point, in Tillamook
Head Park, at 45 degrees 56.5 N, 123 degrees 59.5
W. The remains of the pilot and passenger were
recovered by divers, with the pilot's remains
being recovered on July 26.
The aircraft could not be recovered after several
attempts. Divers reported very strong currents in
the vicinity. Some small pieces of the aircraft
were found weeks after the accident.
The mechanic for the operator refused to provide
information regarding refueling or maintenance on
the aircraft. He did state that the helicopter had
departed from the operator's helipad outside
Seaside, Oregon.
MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL
INFORMATION
Autopsies were performed on both the pilot and his
passenger by Drs. Edward Wilson and Karen
Gunson, respectively, at Portland, Oregon. Cause
of death was stated "drowned," and "asphyxiation
by drowning," respectively.
Toxicological samples were tested by the FAA. No
ethanol was detected in urine. Quinine was
detected in urine. Carbon monoxide and cyanide
analysis was not performed due to lack of suitable
specimens.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
On December 29, 1994, the aircraft logbooks and
records were returned to the owner of record after
inspection.
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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