Pilot Lost Control In Gusty Conditions

A helicopter stringing power lines for Southern California Edison crashed last week when gusty winds caused the pilot to lose control shortly after takeoff. A mechanic on the ground was struck and killed by the aircraft's rotor blades.

The helicopter was lifting a new power line in the Bouquet Canyon area of Santa Clarita when the incident happened at 9:41 am December 17, Los Angeles County Fire Inspector Ron Haralson said.

"It was hovering above the ground. A gust of wind made the helicopter spiral," Los Angeles County Fire Inspector Frank Garrido said. The aircraft came to rest inverted, with the fuselage broken in two, the Los Angeles Tribune reported.

The helicopter, a 2003 Kaman Aerospace K-1200 (similar to type shown at right), was registered to Superior Leasing LLC of Grant's Pass, OR, and operated by Swanson Aviation under contract to Southern California Edison, for work on Edison's Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project.

The unidentified pilot received minor injuries but refused medical treatment, Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor said. The mechanic, employed by Swanson Aviation, was identified by the coroner's office as Curtis Dale Cauthen, 31, from Arizona.

A Southern California Edison spokesman said, "We were informed almost immediately of the tragedy. Our condolences go out to the company and the employees involved."

The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA are investigating the incident.

FMI: www.sce.com, www.swansongroupaviation.com, www.ntsb.gov, www.faa.gov