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NTSB Report
October 7, 2021 · Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 429 · N505TJ
Batavia, NY
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 7, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Batavia, NY
Aircraft
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 429 (2010)
Tail Number
N505TJ
Operator
Mercy Flight
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA22LA007
The pilot reported that he decided to perform a practice approach to the runway using night vision goggles. He set up the approach and activated the autopilot. About 200 ft above the ground, the helicopter inadvertently entered a fog bank and the pilot lost visual reference to the runway. He attempted to perform a climbing right turn but forgot to deactivate the autopilot. The autopilot initiated a descent into the fog, the pilot maintained a level attitude, and shortly thereafter the helicopter impacted the ground and bounced. The pilot attempted to initiate a climb; however, the helicopter impacted the ground a second time, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he decided to perform a practice approach to the runway using night vision goggles. He set up the approach and activated the autopilot. About 200 ft above the ground, the helicopter inadvertently entered a fog bank and the pilot lost visual reference to the runway. He attempted to perform a climbing right turn but forgot to deactivate the autopilot. The autopilot initiated a descent into the fog, the pilot maintained a level attitude, and shortly thereafter the helicopter impacted the ground and bounced. The pilot attempted to initiate a climb; however, the helicopter impacted the ground a second time, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:16 EDT
Nearest AirportGenesee County (0.5nm N)
Runway10/2
Runway Length5499 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell Helicopter Textron Canada 429
Tail NumberN505TJ
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMercy Flight
Operating RulePart 135
Engines2
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · PW207D1 · Turboshaft · 550 | Pratt & Whitney · PW207D1 · Turboshaft · 550
Seats9
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1None
Crew 2None
Crew 3None
Crew 4Age 54 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightNight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 48
Altimeter0
Observation Time20:54
Weather SourcePILO