Pilot Debrief

BRANTLY B 2B near Galena, MO — 2016-03-25

Final reportCEN16LA135
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Date
2016-03-25
Location
Galena, MO, USA
Aircraft
BRANTLY B 2B
Registration
N2266U
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of control for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

Two witnesses saw the helicopter circle three times at low altitude. During the third pass, the helicopter descended to about 20 ft above the ground before it entered a climb. As it climbed, the helicopter entered a spin and descended to the ground. Both of the witnesses stated that the engine continued to run after impact. A postaccident examination of the wreckage did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the helicopter, and the reason for the loss of control could not be determined. Review of the pilot's logbook showed he had about 192 hours of helicopter flight time but did not hold a rotorcraft rating.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after engine backfire and unusual sounds.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 7 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents7

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