Pilot Debrief

BELL OH 58C near Verbena, AL — 2018-11-16

Final reportERA19FA047
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Date
2018-11-16
Location
Verbena, AL, USA
Aircraft
BELL OH 58C
Registration
N510CP
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to conduct a low-level flight over a river, and his failure to see and avoid power lines, which resulted in the helicopter's impact with power lines and the water.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was repositioning the helicopter for routine maintenance with a passenger onboard. According to witness statements, the helicopter approached a river and flew over it at a low altitude. The helicopter then impacted power lines that spanned the river, descended, and came to rest in the water. Postaccident examination of the engine and airframe revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Therefore, it is likely that the pilot was flying low over the river and did not see the power lines before the helicopter struck them.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided low altitude maneuver over the river.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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