Pilot Debrief

Brantly B2B near Monrovia, IN — 2020-07-24

Final reportCEN20LA304
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Date
2020-07-24
Location
Monrovia, IN, USA
Airport
PVT
Aircraft
Brantly B2B
Registration
N383ES
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of control after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was performing an annual inspection and maintenance flight for the helicopter at the time of the accident. After the pilot completed three or four short flights prior to attempting an additional flight. During this flight, the helicopter was exiting translational lift when it dipped and turned right abruptly and hit the ground. Postaccident examination of the helicopter confirmed flight control continuity. Additional examinations of the engine were limited due to damage incurred from impact damage and postimpact fire. The reasons for any loss of control and/or engine failure could not be determined. There was no available evidence that a medical factor contributed to the crash.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after noticing the helicopter was 'missing'.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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