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April 26, 2022 · Garlick Helicopters OH-58A+ NO Series · N281SP

Oakland, FL

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 26, 2022
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Oakland, FL
Aircraft
Garlick Helicopters OH-58A+ NO Series (1973)
Tail Number
N281SP
Operator
Coastal Air Service
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA22LA209

The pilot of the helicopter was performing aerial application operations and had sprayed one load early that morning, then returned for his second load. While on the ground, operations were halted because another company helicopter had crashed into the water they were conducting operations over. Following that accident, a safety briefing was held with the pilots, and they were instructed to maintain constant communications with the loader truck. They resumed spray operations and later that afternoon the pilot noted that it was difficult to judge his height above the water and advised another company pilot via radio of that fact. He further described that the water was “like a mirror,” which hampered his depth perception. Later that evening, during a final application pass while he was looking down at the GPS, the helicopter impacted the water. The helicopter’s fuselage, main, and tail rotor blades were substantially damaged during the impact. Following the accident the pilot indicated that there were no mechanical deficiencies of the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s decision to continue the low-altitude aerial application flight over water conditions that degraded his depth perception, which resulted in an inadvertent collision with the water.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the helicopter was performing aerial application operations and had sprayed one load early that morning, then returned for his second load. While on the ground, operations were halted because another company helicopter had crashed into the water they were conducting operations over. Following that accident, a safety briefing was held with the pilots, and they were instructed to maintain constant communications with the loader truck. They resumed spray operations and later that afternoon the pilot noted that it was difficult to judge his height above the water and advised another company pilot via radio of that fact. He further described that the water was “like a mirror,” which hampered his depth perception. Later that evening, during a final application pass while he was looking down at the GPS, the helicopter impacted the water. The helicopter’s fuselage, main, and tail rotor blades were substantially damaged during the impact. Following the accident the pilot indicated that there were no mechanical deficiencies of the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGarlick Helicopters OH-58A+ NO Series
Tail NumberN281SP
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCoastal Air Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls-Royce · T63-A-720 · Turboshaft · 420
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 54 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data