Pilot Debrief

EUROCOPTER AS 350 B3 near San Diego, CA — 2023-05-24

Final reportWPR23LA200
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Date
2023-05-24
Location
San Diego, CA, USA
Airport
SDM
Aircraft
EUROCOPTER AS 350 B3
Registration
N791AM
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during a hover taxi due to distraction resulting from the unanticipated activation of strobing lights while using night vision googles.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the helicopter reported that he had completed an operational mission, during which he was wearing Night Vision Goggles (NVGs), and returned to the airport. While hover taxiing to parking using the NVGs, an aircraft approaching the airport to land triggered the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), causing the helicopter’s strobing “wig-wag” lights to activate and impact the pilot’s visibility. The pilot looked down to locate the light switch and removed his hand from the collective to deactivate the lights. The helicopter descended and contacted the ground before the pilot could stop the descent. The helicopter subsequently became airborne again and the pilot was able to regain control and continue hover taxiing to parking. Substantial damage to the tail boom was discovered after the flight. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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