Pilot Debrief

BELL 407 near Rock Springs, WY — 2011-12-13

Final reportWPR12LA065
Sign in to save
Date
2011-12-13
Location
Rock Springs, WY, USA
Aircraft
BELL 407
Registration
N8067Z
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The unauthorized operation of the helicopter by a non-certificated and unqualified individual who failed to maintain helicopter control.

NTSB narrative

The individual flying the helicopter neither held a pilot certificate nor had any documented experience flying helicopters. He was employed by the operator as a company mechanic. He took the helicopter without permission and was giving 4 acquaintances a ride in the area. While maneuvering at low altitude near one of the passenger’s homes, the helicopter entered an uncontrolled descent and collided with the ground.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot should not have flown without proper certification and authorization.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

Related mishaps