Pilot Debrief

MD HELICOPTERS INC 369 near Loxahatchee, FL — 2022-03-18

Final reportERA22FA160
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Date
2022-03-18
Location
Loxahatchee, FL, USA
Aircraft
MD HELICOPTERS INC 369
Registration
N650AG
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering at low altitude.

NTSB narrative

The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with airplane ratings but did not possess a helicopter rating at the time of the accident. He did have a logbook endorsement for solo student flight with helicopters with the prohibition of carrying passengers. The passenger was a pilot-rated for single-engine land airplanes and did not have any helicopter experience. According to automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast data, the helicopter departed an airport and flew north over swampy, state land. The data further showed the helicopter flying at altitudes from 25 to 75 ft above ground level (agl) and at speeds between 83 to 100 knots before colliding with high-voltage power lines. The helicopter came to rest in a swampy field about 250 ft from the power lines. The power lines were measured at 80 ft agl. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The circumstances of the accident are consistent with the pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering at low altitude.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not have a rotorcraft rating and was prohibited from carrying passengers.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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