Pilot Debrief

BELL 206B near Crowley, LA — 2012-10-10

Final reportCEN13FA009
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Date
2012-10-10
Location
Crowley, LA, USA
Aircraft
BELL 206B
Registration
N333DR
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the broadcast tower guy-wires.

NTSB narrative

A witness, who was performing maintenance on a broadcast tower, observed a helicopter operating about 1/2 mile to the east, flying toward the broadcast tower. When the helicopter was about 60 feet from the tower, it banked to the left, away from the tower, and subsequently struck the number 4 guy-wire on the south side of the broadcast tower. After the helicopter struck the wire, it veered back to the right and descended to the ground. Postaccident examination of the helicopter, engine, and related systems revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided the tower by altering course earlier.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents11

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