Pilot Debrief

SIKORSKY HH-60L near TULLAHOMA, TN — 2019-02-28

Final reportERA19TA110
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Date
2019-02-28
Location
TULLAHOMA, TN, USA
Airport
THA
Aircraft
SIKORSKY HH-60L
Registration
N260MW
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The flight crew’s improper decision to continue the VFR flight into deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees during a subsequent precautionary landing attempt.

NTSB narrative

The flight crew was on a visual flight rules (VFR) ferry flight to reposition the helicopter for maintenance and inspection. Prior to departure, they had expected VFR conditions along the entire route of flight. During an intermediate stop for fuel about 42 miles from the destination, they noted the weather conditions appeared to be clear, but they did not obtain an updated weather briefing. After departure, about 10 miles away from their destination, they encountered heavy rain, moderate turbulence, and deteriorating visibility (a nearby airport reported a visibility of 2.5 statute miles in mist and an overcast cloud ceiling at 300 feet). They descended to about 100 feet above ground level to maintain visual contact with the ground. When VFR flight conditions “were no longer possible,” they performed a turn and attempted a precautionary landing in a field. During the landing, the helicopter struck trees and impacted terrain.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
VFR into IMC
First missed decision gate
Not obtaining updated weather briefing before departure from 4A6.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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