AMERICAN EUROCOPTER AS350B3 near Silver City, NM — 2020-10-27

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient altitude above terrain while operating in reduced visibility due to snow showers.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to relocate the helicopter to a hangar at a nearby airport before a winter storm impacted the area. The pilot took off in moderate visual meteorological conditions and moderate rain; but as the helicopter neared the airport, the precipitation turned from rain to snow. The pilot turned final about 1 mile north of the airport when the precipitation increased, and the visibility reduced. The helicopter impacted terrain about 200 yards north of the runway surface in a mostly level attitude before it rolled onto its left side. The fuselage was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Collision during takeoff/land · Approach-VFR pattern final
• Decision Making / Judgment

Evidence available

• Photos
• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• PILOT/OPERATOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT, NTSB FORM 6120.1form
• ON SCENE PHOTOS - COURTESY OF LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENTphotos

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