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NTSB Report
February 15, 1992 · Bell 206L-3 · N3120X
South Pelto #1
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 15, 1992
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
South Pelto #1
Aircraft
Bell 206L-3
Tail Number
N3120X
Operator
Petroleum Helicoters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW92LA070
THE INSTRUMENT RATED COMMERCIAL PILOT ENCOUNTERED A FOG BANK WHILE IN CRUISE FLIGHT AT 500 FEET. WITHIN SECONDS AFTER ENTERING THE CLOUDS, AND TURNING LEFT IN AN ATTEMPT TO RETURN TO VMC, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED SPATIAL DISORIENTATION. THE HELICOPTER IMPACTED THE WATER ABOUT ONE MINUTE LATER. THE PILOT AND HIS PASSENGER WERE RESCUED AFTER FLOATING IN THE WATER FOR THREE AND ONE HALF HOURS. THE PILOT DID NOT OBTAIN A WEATHER BRIEFING PRIOR TO THE FLIGHT.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S INABILITY TO CONTROL THE HELICOPTER DUE TO SPATIAL DISORIENTATION. FACTORS WERE THE FOG AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO RECEIVE A WEATHER BRIEFING PRIOR TO THE FLIGHT.
Full Narrative
THE INSTRUMENT RATED COMMERCIAL PILOT ENCOUNTERED A FOG BANK WHILE IN CRUISE FLIGHT AT 500 FEET. WITHIN SECONDS AFTER ENTERING THE CLOUDS, AND TURNING LEFT IN AN ATTEMPT TO RETURN TO VMC, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED SPATIAL DISORIENTATION. THE HELICOPTER IMPACTED THE WATER ABOUT ONE MINUTE LATER. THE PILOT AND HIS PASSENGER WERE RESCUED AFTER FLOATING IN THE WATER FOR THREE AND ONE HALF HOURS. THE PILOT DID NOT OBTAIN A WEATHER BRIEFING PRIOR TO THE FLIGHT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 UTC
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 206L-3
Tail NumberN3120X
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorPetroleum Helicoters
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250C-30P · Turboshaft · 600
Seats7
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 33 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 10 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 68 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO