Pilot Debrief

HUGHES OH-6A near Atlanta, GA — 2012-11-04

Final reportERA13GA046
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Date
2012-11-04
Location
Atlanta, GA, USA
Aircraft
HUGHES OH-6A
Registration
N368PD
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude during maneuvering flight, which resulted in his failure to see and avoid a power pole and wires.

NTSB narrative

The night, public flight was being operated to support ground-based police personnel in locating a missing child. Witnesses reported observing the helicopter at a very low altitude with the search light on maneuvering near the intersection of two city streets. Witness statements indicated that, as the helicopter neared the intersection, the landing gear skids collided with wires at the top a 42-foot power pole. The helicopter then flipped over and crashed into the street. Recorded radar data were consistent with the witness statements. An examination of the airframe did not reveal evidence of malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Rotational scoring found on the internal engine components indicates that the engine had power at impact. No distress calls were received from the flight crew before the crash. Most of the pilot's peers described him as "meticulous," "capable," and "competent"; however, one pilot stated that the accident pilot had a tendency to "fly low."

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Maintain altitude above 500 feet as per unit SOP until cleared by ground unit.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 30 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents30

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